Sentry Mode is one of the cleverer features Tesla has deployed in recent months. It’s also one that many owners could find themselves using regularly – so how does it work and how much power does it use?
We spoke to a Tesla owner, who gave us some insight into his experiences with Sentry Mode.
Sentry Mode uses systems already built into Teslas made after August 2017. These monitor the car’s surroundings and deter threats should they arise.
A Tesla in Sentry Mode rests in ‘Standby’, with the cameras active. If a mild threat is detected, such as someone leaning on the car, it switches to ‘Alert’, displaying a message on the touchscreen telling passers-by they’re being watched.
‘Alarm’ is when things heat up, as a response to a serious threat like a window being smashed. At this point, the car alarm goes off, music sets to full volume and the centre display jumps in brightness. The owner also gets a message to warn them of an incident.
Each time you want Sentry Mode to run, you have to enable it via the a sub-menu, accessible through ‘Controls’, then ‘Safety and Security’.
Sentry Mode sounds like a great idea. It’s essentially a free dashcam. There is however, a downside: the amount of power it uses.
In spite of not being screen-intensive, or involving driving at all, our owner reports that it consumes battery life at a rate of one mile per hour. With 262 miles of range, that obviously equates to 262 hours, or 11 days, before the battery is fully drained.
Truckers: Oxford zero-emissions zone is ‘absurd’
Then consider that Sentry Mode is automatically turned off when the car reaches 50 miles of range, so that leaves 212 hours of Sentry Mode activity in this example. In the highest-range Model S, with 370 miles of power in the battery, that gives 320 hours of time that Sentry Mode can be active – or just under two weeks.
The Sentry Mode Catch 22
Love bug: This car DOUBLES your chances of a Tinder match
So, the scenario in which you’re most likely to turn Sentry Mode on – long trips away – is also when you probably don’t want to in order to save battery. Of course, you can negate this by having long-term parking with charging.
Nevertheless, the battery drain of Sentry Mode is causing owners to think twice about using it.
Should you use Sentry Mode?
Sentry Mode runs the cameras, and utilises the car’s brain. The entire Auto Pilot system is running while the feature is in use. Actual recording is triggered by motion detection, but in its ‘Standby’ state, there remains the significant power draw. A bit of forethought is therefore required before pressing the button.
Are you going to be away for a while? Will you be in range of a Supercharger when you return? Is there the option of leaving the car plugged in? Is Sentry Mode really necessary where you’ve parked it?
Assess the situation before you decide, or you risk being out of range when you return to the car.
Nearly half of motorists who took part in a new poll believe the state of UK roads has reached a crisis point.
Forty-two percent of those surveyed agreed with the statement: ‘I think we have a crisis in the state of repair of roads in the UK’. This increases to 50 percent in the East of England, 49 percent in Scotland and 46 percent in the South West.
Few people believe the roads are acceptable, although motorists in London (32 percent), the West Midlands (34 percent) and Northern Ireland (37 percent) appear to be more satisfied than others. We suspect a few readers will be shaking their heads in disbelief.
The results of the Re-flow study coincide with ‘National Pothole Day’, which highlights the pothole epidemic facing the UK’s motorists on a daily basis.
In the West Midlands, 36 percent of the 2,092 respondents who took part in the survey believe that the state of the roads constitutes a national emergency. This is a view shared by motorists in the South East, Wales and North West.
‘More like firefighters’
Roads suffer during winter months, with rain and snow damaging the surface, often beyond repair. The heavy rainfall of the winter of 2019/20 has led to flooding and the emergence of new and often huge potholes. Proper investment is required, but Re-flow believes there’s more to it than simply money.
It is calling for a three-pronged approach, focused on the following:
Utilising better project management methods
Better scheduling of projects
Improvements in construction methods
Mike Saunders, managing director of Re-flow, said “The challenges being faced by the industry in terms of being more innovative with the design, construction and maintenance of the network are ever-present, so those working in the sector must come up with new ways to do more to make the most of the funding they receive, as a sustained lack of investment is set to continue in the foreseeable future.
The current system of trying to keep on top of patching up the potholes instead of investing in proper resurfacing is making roadworkers more like firefighters.”
Kia has announced its plans for the first half of this decade, with a huge focus on the introduction and increased sales of EVs.
It plans to sell half-a-million electric cars, among one million so-called ‘eco-friendly’ models, every year by 2026. It’s one of many goals in ‘Plan S’, the Korean company’s grand plan for the future. And it really is grand.
The plan is two-pronged, with the first being relatively conventional: a focus on EVs. The second prong is far less so, but equally important: customised mobility solutions. In other words, every possible way you could use a car without actually buying one.
Kia wants to meet with heads of infrastructure in order to supply the fleets of the future. And it’s going to evolve in order to meet their needs.
“As the auto industry undergoes turbulent changes, today is also an opportune time for Kia Motors to radically transform itself into a global enterprise, dedicated to spearheading customer value-led innovations,” said Kia president and CEO, Han-woo Park.
“Plan S is a bold and enterprising roadmap for Kia’s future business transition, buttressed by the two pillars of electric vehicles and mobility solutions.
“Kia will reinvigorate its brand innovation by developing products and services that offer new experiences for customers.”
The EV part of ‘Plan S’ begins with the marque launching its first dedicated electric car in 2021. The current e-Niro is a repurposed internal combustion car. This new model will be all-original and all-electric.
Kia plans to ‘adopt a strategy of product differentiation’ by launching dedicated EVs, with their own designs, user experiences and quality. That line-up will swell to 11 models by 2025, including cars, SUVs and MPVs. There will be dedicated high-performance models, plus a mix of 400- and 800-volt architectures.
Volkswagen is going to share its MEB electric car platform
The new car will blur the lines between car and SUV. It’ll be on a unique platform, and drive around 320 miles on a single charge. Kia also claims a sub-20-minute high-speed charge time.
All of the above should help Kia towards a target 6.6 percent EV market share by 2025. By then, it hopes for EVs to make up 20 percent of the cars it sells. All this will take a total investment nearing £20 billion.
Customised mobility solutions
Kia also wants to cater to cities as they evolve, developing purpose-built vehicles and establishing mobility hubs.
Live in a city? It’s likely that it would already be more convenient for you to call a car, or an autonomous pod, than it would be to actually own one. Kia hopes to cater for those who are outgrowing the traditional car ownership model.
The company’s idea of a mobility hub is a solution to the problem of zero-emission zones. Not all motorists want to own an EV, in spite of an increasing number of urban areas legislating against conventional cars.
Think of a mobility hub as the car equivalent of a Boris bike pick-up; drop your vehicle off and collect the keys to a dedicated Kia city EV. In the long term, Kia sees self-driving robotaxis operating out of these hubs. A brave new world indeed.
Such city-centric vehicles will be based on scalable and modular ‘skateboard’ platforms. Wheels, battery and motors can have different bodies mounted to them.
Kia has invested in a number of companies to help further its efforts in these areas. Grab is the largest ride-hailing service in south east Asia. It’s also working with Repsol in Spain on the WiBLE car-sharing service, running 500 Niro PHEVs in Madrid.
Plus, it’s collaborating with Aptiv, a world-leader in autonomous driving tech, to develop its own autonomous platform by 2024. Kia hopes to licence this technology to other carmakers, too.
Speaking at the launch of a report from the government-backed Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce, the Minister said the plans were part of plans to announce more “tangible measures to drive decarbonisation.
“We intent to consult on bringing forward the 2040 target to end the sale of diesel and petrol cars.”
“There is also a commitment for all central government cars to be electric by 2030.”
Mr Freeman added he would also like to see the number of UK rapid chargers more than double by 2024, to over 5,000.
He indicated announcements could be made in the build-up to November’s 2020 UN Climate Change Conference which is being held in Glasgow.
‘Get with the programme’
Public opinion on climate change has shifted, said the minister, over the past six or seven months, something he experienced “knocking on 10,000 doors” during campaigning for the general election.
The government needs to step up efforts to deliver on its 2050 net zero emissions target “because 2050 is only 30 years away”.
Mr Freeman said he was “cheered” with the news Volkswagen is raising its electric car production forecast for 2025 – the same year that Audi will be offering 20 new fully-electric vehicles.
Industry has set itself demanding targets too, he acknowledged.
“We have momentum, we have know-how, we have industry commitment; we haven’t shied away from setting ourselves some really ambitious goals.
“Many people haven’t made the shift from electric motoring being a nice idea, a vision, to being an actual practical reality that we are going to do.
“All of us are going to have to get with the progamme.”
There are many claims about the capabilities of electric cars. Be it their total range, charge speeds, performance or otherwise. You really have to just get out there and do it. That’s exactly what this test did with some of the hottest electric cars available right now: ran them from full to dead – and noted the results.
The test was conducted by Carwow, and involved the Tesla Model 3, Kia e-Niro, Jaguar I-Pace, Nissan Leaf, Audi E-tron and Mercedes EQC. The cars were charged to 100 percent and then left overnight. Though some lost some juice, all had over 95 percent in the morning.
The test was inspired by prior research, which found that 35 percent of people say their biggest worry around electric cars is running out and getting stranded.
The Tesla Model 3 went the furthest, achieving 270 miles. However, that was only 78 percent of its WLTP claimed range of 348 miles. The Jaguar I-Pace was also a disappointment, going 223 miles, or 76 percent of its WLTP claimed range of 292 miles.
The Mercedes EQC was arguably the worst performer. It went the shortest distance, covering 194 miles. It also achieved the lowest percentage of its claimed capability – just 75 percent of its claimed 259-mile range.
The Nissan Leaf, in spite of its WLTP range of 239 miles being lower than that of the Mercedes, went further, covering 208 miles. That’s 87 percent of the WLTP range rating. The Audi E-tron was the closest to its claimed range of 255 miles, out of all the ‘premium brands’.
The big winner is the Kia e-Niro. It covered 255 miles, or 90 percent of its claimed WLTP range of 282 miles. For context, that matches the claimed range of the Audi.
All of the cars had their air conditioning set to 20 degrees, a mobile phone was connected and the cruise control was set to the motorway speed limit. The latter point makes the results a touch more impressive, given motorway speeds aren’t considered ideal for making the most of an electric car’s full charge.
Another interesting point is exactly what happens when you run out. In testing, the cars were run up and down the motorway, until the brink of ‘0 miles’ being indicated. Then, on the way back to the charge point, they were allowed to ‘die’.
Five of the six cars kept going long after indicating ‘empty’. However, when the cars did stop, they ‘locked up’. They became difficult to move – a scary scenario.
Electric car rapid charger network has grown 43 percent in one year
“We know that ‘range anxiety’ is a big concern for people thinking about switching from petrol to electric – no one wants to get stranded,” said Mat Watson at Carwow.
“But our test showed you could drive an average of 226 miles and all of the cars were able to keep going after their systems claimed their batteries were totally flat.
“On average, only 81 percent of the manufacturer-claimed range was achieved and, if you allow a battery to run truly flat, electric cars can be difficult to move! But that’s a similar figure to the percentage of potential range you’d get in a petrol or diesel car. Plus, in the real-world, these cars’ sat-nav systems would direct you to a nearby charging station long before you ground to a halt.
“Of course, we’d recommend that anyone interested in buying an electric car try one out for themselves before they take the plunge. But there’s one thing that is in no doubt – 2020 is going to be another big year for electric cars.”
You’ve always been able to build your own Caterham. It just necessitated parting with a fair few of your hard-earned pounds and receiving a delivery of car parts. Now you can go to a Caterham dealer and build one virtually.
It’s a first for the niche hardcore sports car maker, which is comparatively late to the configurator party by comparison to other marques. But the wait should be worth it. This new system allows for over 58 quadrillion combinations of spec. Yes, that’s 58,000 trillion different ways you can spec your Caterham. That makes the Seven one of the most customisable new cars on sale.
“It’s unlikely you’ll ever see two identical Sevens, and our new configurator demonstrates exactly why that is. Purchasing a Seven is a unique experience, and we want to give people the opportunity to create their perfect car.
Sir Chris Hoy was one of the first people to try out the configurator. He gave it the nod.
“I was blown away by the technology. When you’re spending a lot of money on a brand-new car, the configurator gives you the confidence to push the button and order the car with confidence. If someone was considering buying a Caterham, I would 100 percent encourage them to come into the showroom to make use of the big screen.”
The configurator is the result of a partnership with Renderapp, which has delivered a system that can display your car in high-quality 4k detail. This allows the most in-depth details, like metallic flakes in the paint and the grain of the leather. The images with the car on a white background are grabs from the configurator.
To control the system, you work through a tablet and have complete free rein to look around the car, in 360 degrees. Each option is scanned and simulated in near-perfect accurate detail, to allow every possible Caterham to be brought to life on the system.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Caterham team and believe we have delivered a world first with the number of options available within this configurator,” said Will Elliott, Renderapp co-founder.
“We look forward to future projects with Caterham, expanding the configurator to make the customer’s journey even more enjoyable, memorable and unique. Our goal is to make buying a Caterham as enjoyable as driving a Caterham,” added co-founder Nick Moutafis.
Potholes are back. Did they ever go away? According to a survey of 2,000 road users, the pothole is the most annoying thing on the road. That’s according to 55 percent of respondents.
Potholes top a list of 20 motoring annoyances, including people who don’t indicate, tailgaters, roadworks, cyclists, speed cameras and breakdowns.
A massive 43 percent of drivers have had their car damaged as a result of a pothole. Forty-four percent of those said the damage was a burst tyre, while 36 percent have suffered from broken alloy wheels. A fifth of pothole incidents have resulted in a collision of vehicles.
Revealed: the number of speed bumps in the UK
Of course, many send damage claims to local authorities – and so they should. Because if not, the average cost is around £130. One in 20 have copped a bill for £400 or more. Injuries and damage related to potholes have caused 30 percent of people to have time off work.
Eight in ten road users say that potholes are so prolific, they’re a guaranteed part of a journey. Nine in ten Glaswegian drivers claim they are forced to find an alternative route in order to avoid potholes. Glasgow is the worst affected city in the UK, followed by Manchester, Plymouth, Sheffield and Cardiff.
Overall, Brits reckon they’re no more than 20 metres from a pothole when they’re at home. The average journey to the shops in the UK will feature around 18 potholes.
It takes 60 weeks to become a ‘good driver’
“Potholes may seem like a minor problem – but they cause millions of people financial and physical damage each year,” said Paul Fleetham, managing director of contracting at Tarmac, which commissioned the study ahead of National Pothole Day (15 January).
“Our research shows that the vast majority of city-dwellers are fed up with the inconvenience they cause. It is therefore essential that road maintenance in England and Wales receives adequate government funding, something we believe is essential for local authorities to ensure they can deliver lasting road maintenance solutions.
“We need to move to a longer-term proactive approach to funding that focuses on the social value of our roads, managing the network as a vital asset with proper preventative structural maintenance.“
For many Ferrari fans, a trip to Italy is not complete without visiting one of the famed brand’s two museums.
Last year, a record-breaking number of them made the pilgrimage, with total visits swelling to over 600,000.
Visitor numbers were actually up 12 percent over the previous year, with more than 400,000 people visiting the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, and 200,000 visiting the Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena.
Ferrari says a new ‘single ticket’ that gives access to both museums has helped grow visitor numbers. Sales of the dual-access ticket grew 50 percent in 2019.
The history of Ferrari is so rich, it needs two museums. The Modena destination celebrates Enzo Ferrari himself, along with exclusive Ferrari GT engines and cars.
Meanwhile, the museum in Maranello focuses on the broader Ferrari group, plus Scuderia Ferrari F1 and other famous racing cars.
Fittingly, the first exhibition at Maranello this year is “Ferrari at 24 Heures du Mans’, which opens on 15 January to mark 70 years of Ferrari victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Many factors come into play when it comes to car insurance, including where you live. Indeed, your postcode could have the biggest impact on your quote.
An insurer will have data on your area, including accident, damage and car theft figures. If you’re in a hotspot, you can expect a steep premium.
Here are the best places in the UK for car insurance, as compiled by CompareTheMarket.
By and large, it’s England’s south west that wins the battle for cheap insurance. The average yearly premium for five of the local authorities in this area is £490.
Bar Scotland and Norfolk, the top 10 cheapest places to insure your car are exclusively south-western.
As for where is the most expensive? It’s probably not surprising that London dominates here. The London’ borough of Newham has the highest typical premium, at a massive £1,464.
However, not counting the capital, Manchester (£1,260) and Birmingham (£1,173) are up there, along with Luton (£1,165). The former two are the next biggest cities after London. Generally speaking, proximity to these areas doesn’t help your chances of cheap insurance, as you can see on the above map.
“It’s common knowledge that the age and value are key variables in determining car insurance quotes, but location also plays a major role,” said Dan Hutson, head of motor at CompareTheMarket.
“The right policy for one person may be different for a friend or family member down the road, even if they live on the same street. Our research reveals that shopping around three weeks ahead of time is usually the cheapest way to buy or renew your car insurance.”
After a short break, the collector car auction circuit returns with six major events in Arizona. If you’re looking to add a new car to your garage, or just curious as to what will be on sale, this is the place to be.
With so many cars on offer, we have picked out five noteworthy lots from each auction. We have also collected all the details you need to know if you decide to make a trip to Arizona this month.
Barrett-Jackson brands itself as being responsible for the ‘world’s greatest collector car auctions’, and the 2020 Scottsdale event is certainly on an epic scale. Lots being sold for charity rub shoulders with exquisite supercars, whilst there is a catalogue packed with 2,000 cars to also pick from.
When: The festivities begin on Saturday, January 11th, with the first collector car auction taking place on Monday, January 13th. Sales continue all the way through until Sunday, January 19th.
Where: Barrett-Jackson returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale again for 2020, making use of its sprawling 300,000 sq ft event capacity.
Entry cost: Advance tickets begin from $20 for the preview days, increasing to $70 on prime auction days. Passes for all days begin at $190.
Lot 3007 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray VIN 001
Barrett-Jackson features a number of special cars, but this is the chance to own the very first production mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette. Wearing VIN 001, all proceeds from the sale of the Corvette will go to benefit the Detroit Children’s Charity.
The winning bidder will receive a black C8 Corvette in 3LT trim, with a black interior and every option specified. This includes the Z51 performance package, and the data recorder. A tour of the Corvette Museum, a letter of authenticity, and unique artwork will also be included.
Lot 1371 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight
A total of 21 vehicles previously owned by the late Paul Walker, star of the Fast & Furious movie franchise, will cross the auction block in Scottsdale. Of particular note in the Paul Walker Collection are the five BMW E36 M3 Lightweight models, of which this is the lowest-mileage example.
Only 126 M3 Lightweights were made, using aluminum body panels, and even thinner carpets, to reduce mass. Power comes from a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, producing 240 horsepower and connected to a five-speed manual transmission.
Lot 791.1 1960 Cadillac Coupe De Ville Custom
Travis Barker, best known as the drummer in pop-punk band Blink-182, has a deep love for custom Cadillacs. This modified 1960 Coupe De Ville is one of two Cadillacs being sold by Barker, along with a Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
The roof has been chopped by 3 inches, the door handles shaved, keyless entry added, and air-ride suspension installed. Under the hood is a 454-cubic inch V-8 engine, connected to a three-speed automatic transmission. Inside is trimmed in light cream leather, matching the exterior paintwork.
Lot 1599 1980 Rolls-Royce Corniche
This is not just any classic Rolls-Royce, but one actually owned by the ‘King of Cool’, Dean Martin. Whilst the Rat Pack legend had toned down his career by the 1980s, his love for cars was still strong.
Bought by Martin in 1981, the Corniche still wears its original Georgian Silver paintwork and black leather interior. Documents show the provenance of ownership by Martin, and also later by actor Dennis Farina.
Lot 1380 1930 Ford Model A Custom
Car collector and TV star Wayne Carini has owned many impressive machines, and now you could buy this one in Arizona. The customized 1930 Ford was built by Andy Leach, and features a V-8 engine mated to an automatic transmission.
The eye-catching exterior paintwork was done by Charley Hutton, and the interior has been retrimmed in vintage brown leather. Winning the Motor Shine Award at the 2017 SEMA Show, and also named ‘Best Rod’ at the 2018 Concours on the Avenue Carmel.
Russo and Steele Scottsdale 2020
As one of the three marquee events held annually by Russo and Steele, much attention will be paid to the 800 collector cars heading across the block. From vintage classics, through to modern supercars, the auction docket is a busy one for 2020. Russo and Steele is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a special gala event.
When: Preview days begin on Wednesday, January 15th, with the first sales taking place on Thursday, January 16th. Auction action continues through Sunday, January 19th.
Where: Russo and Steele pitches its tent city not far from WestWorld, near Freeway101 in Scottsdale.
Entry cost: Preview day tickets cost $25, with auction day tickets ranging from $20 to $30. Parking is $25 per day.
Lot 5204 2007 Shelby GT500 Prototype
Whilst the 2007 Shelby GT500 may already be a collectible car, this one turns the interest levels all the way up. This car was the prototype for the 40th Anniversary model, and also the personal vehicle of Carroll Shelby himself. As one-of-one, this is the only 40th Anniversary GT500 made with white exterior stripes and unique badging.
The car has covered less than 2,200 miles from new, and has been stored in a climate-controlled garage. This GT500 remains exactly as it was when owned by Shelby, and comes with documentation including proof of his ownership.
Lot 5255 1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG
Amongst the rare cars up for auction in Arizona, few can claim to be the only example of their kind in the United States. This 1994 model is the sole E60 AMG Mercedes-Benz known to exist in North America, and comes from a limited production run of 125 examples.
Driving the E60 AMG is a 375 horsepower 6.0-liter V-8, capable of accelerating the Mercedes from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. When new, this AMG cost the equivalent of $315,000 in Germany, and was first imported to California in 1996.
Lot 5157 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Pilot Car
Chevrolet’s Pilot Cars were pre-production versions of forthcoming vehicles, often featuring bespoke prototype parts. This is the only SS 396 Pilot Car known to have been made for the 1970 Chevelle, and comes with extensive history demonstrating its provenance.
The Pilot Car Registry has called this car as the most “historically significant surviving example” of the Chevelle, making this a real draw for Chevy fans. Restoration work has been undertaken, with replaced prototype parts remaining with the car.
Lot 5519 1990 Ferrari Testarossa
Due to featuring in the hit TV show Miami Vice, the Ferrari Testarossa has an iconic association with the 1980s. With interest in all things from that decade at a high, what better chance than to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari supercar with a flat-12 engine.
This car has been kept in a private collection, with only two owners. Having covered 8,200 miles from new, maintenance work has been kept up to date, including a major service in 2013. Buy now, and get ready for a summer of beachside cruising.
Lot 5254 1971 Dodge Charger Super Bee
Sold new by Mr Norm’s Dodge in Grand Spaulding, MI, this was one of only 69 Charger Super Bees built in 1971 with a V-Code engine and automatic transmission. The 440-cubic inch V-8 engine breathes in through a six-pack carburettor, and exhales by twin chrome exhausts.
The white paintwork also makes this Super Bee a rare muscle car, with only 13 reported to have been sold in this color combination for 1971. Low mileage, and lots of history, should make this a winner across the auction block.
Worldwide Auctioneers Scottsdale 2020
Although the Worldwide Auctioneers sale in Scottsdale may not have the sheer volume of cars compared to others, it makes up for it in quality. Vintage classics from the 1930s, muscle cars from the ‘70s, and bespoke supercars are all on the docket.
When: Previews begin on Monday, January 13th, and continue through to 1pm on Wednesday, January 15th. The sale itself begins at 5pm on Wednesday, January 15th.
Where: The 2020 sale is hosted at the Singh Meadows market, located in Tempe, Arizona.
Entry cost: Preview day tickets cost $30. Access to the auction is $100, but includes a catalogue and entry for two preview days.
Lot 31 2009 Bertone Mantide
Based on the Chevrolet C6 Corvette ZR1, the Mantide was a concept intended to showcase an exclusive supercar from Bertone. The ZR1 supplied a 638 horsepower supercharged V-8 engine, whilst carbon fiber body panels reduced the comparable weight by 220 lb. When tested, the Mantide was capable of 218 mph, and 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds.
Production plans never came to fruition, leaving this as the sole Mantide built. Following a debut at the Shanghai Auto Show, the car has also appeared at Pebble Beach. In 2010, following a respray to Bianco Fuji, the Mantide won the Best in Supercar Class prize at the prestigious Quail event.
Lot 51 1956 Chrysler Ghia Plainsman Concept
Chrysler and Italian design house Ghia worked closely throughout the 1950s, with a number of special creations. In 1956 the Plainsman wagon, and Norseman coupe brother, were built to promote Chrysler on the auto show circuit. Inspired by the Wild West, the Plainsman has a cowhide interior, with seating for eight.
Other features include a hidden fuel filler hidden in the rear tailight, a spare wheel integrated into the rear fender, and rear-facing seats in the trunk. Restoration work returned the Plainsman to full glory, with power coming from a 440-cubic inch V-8 engine.
Lot 49 1995 Ferrari F50 Prototipo
The Ferrari F50 is already highly desirable, but this one has even greater appeal being described as the ‘most significant’ example in existence. This is a pre-production prototype F50, used for track testing and driven by Formula One legends such as Jean Alesi, Gerhard Berger and Niki Lauda. It was also used as the basis for scale models, and later made appearances at motor shows across the globe.
Notable as being the last Ferrari made with a five-digit VIN, the F50 passed into private ownership in 1997. The 4.7-liter V-12 has been responsible for covering just 1,400 miles, with the car subject to recent servicing. Documents demonstrating the history, and a Ferrari Classiche certificate, are also included.
Lot 42 2006 Ford GT owned by Ferrari
Ferrari also had a hand in the history of this 2006 Ford GT. The car was purchased new by Ferrari of North America, with documents later showing a stamp for export to Italy. The presumed story is that Ferrari bought a late-model GT, and then shipped it to Maranello for engineering evaluation. Some 800 miles were added to the odometer whilst in the ownership for Ferrari, before it returned to the United States in 2008.
Powered by Ford’s 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, Ferrari was perhaps interested in learning about the GT’s 550 horsepower output. The ownership story has added an extra level of intrigue to a car that has already become highly collectible. At present, the GT is still titled to Ferrari North America, and comes with accompanying documentation.
Lot 36 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda 440-6 Convertible
As one of only five Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertibles built with a 440-cubic inch V-8 in 1971, this muscle car started out rare. Being owned by former NHL ice hockey superstar Ed Belfour since 1986 has only added to the status of this ‘Cuda. A four-speed manual transmission, leather bucket seats, and Hemi suspension were among the extensive options specified.
Belfour submitted the ‘Cuda to an extensive restoration process in 2006, with the goal of winning awards at car shows. O.E. Gold Certification at the 2007 Mopar Nationals demonstrates the plan was achieved, with the paintwork particularly noted for its quality. The ‘Cuda has covered 10 miles following the restoration work, making this primed for addition to a new collection.
RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2020
From the finest cars eligible to be displayed at Pebble Beach, to regular supercars, RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale packs diversity into the 150 choices contained within the auction catalogue.
When: Wednesday, January 15th is the full preview day. Sales start on Thursday, January 16th, and continue through Friday, January 17th.
Where: Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, located in Phoenix. RM Sotheby’s notes that the venue includes ‘a very popular’ outdoor bar.
Entry cost: Free to the general public during preview hours. Auction events are for registered bidders only, with registration priced at $200.
Lot 253 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet
With an estimated sale price of $6 million to $7 million, this could be the biggest seller at the RM Sotheby’s auction. Last year a similar car achieved $6.8 million at Pebble Beach, so the predicted price is realistic. A total of 40 Series I Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolets were made, with this being the 25th example. Helping the value is the fact this car retains its original bodywork, engine, and transmission.
The car has had an impressive history, including serving as the pace car for the 1958 Shell Grand Prix at Monza, Italy. Since 1999 it has been in the ownership of a Ferrari expert, with money lavished on maintenance. It has also competed in 10 touring events, making the most of the 3.0-liter Colombo V-12 engine.
Lot 147 2018 Pagani Huayra Roadster
Another open-top Italian, but made several decades later, the Pagani Huayra Roadster also features a V-12 engine. The Mercedes-AMG twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter unit produces 754 horsepower, leaving this Roadster capable of serious performance. Active aerodynamics contribute to motorsport levels of downforce, helping keep the Huayra on the ground.
With only 100 Huayra Roadsters to be made, examples are already hard to find. Painted in Blue TriColore, the Huayra also features exposed carbon fiber detailing on the exterior. Inside is leather trim finished in a luxurious brown and cream leather combination. RM Sotheby’s predicts an estimated sale price of more than $2.5 million for this special Italian machine.
Lot 220 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV
Consistently rated as one of the most beautiful cars ever produced, the Lamborghini Miura is also recognized as the first mid-engined supercar. A total of 763 examples were made between 1966 and 1973, with this being one of the later SV models that benefited from various upgrades. This included increasing the output of the 3.9-liter V-12 to 380 horsepower, and tweaking the bodywork to reduce high-speed lift.
Originally finished in Miura Green, this car was first sold in Italy. It made its way to the United States in 1977. By then the car had been repainted red, whilst a tan leather interior has been installed more recently. The current owner has retained the car for some four decades, only adding to its provenance.
Lot 213 1991 Vector W8 Twin Turbo
Forget buying a new mid-engined Corvette, when RM Sotheby’s has this Vector W8 for sale in Arizona. Gerald Wiegert persevered for decades to develop his own American supercar, with the W8 being the production version of a concept first shown in 1978. Wiegert only sold 17 examples of the W8, which features a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine producing a claimed 625 horsepower.
The distinctive bodywork is made from carbon fiber and kevlar, bonded to an aluminum chassis, helping reduce weight. Inside are Recaro sports seats, and even a 10-disc CD autochanger. Originally bought for $178,000, RM Sotheby’s estimates that this retro-classic will sell for between $300,000 to $400,000.
Lot 164 2005 Porsche Carrera GT
It seems hard to believe that the Porsche Carrera GT is now more than 15 years old. Using a V-10 engine originally intended for motorsport use, the uncompromising Carrera GT left the Stuttgart factory with 603 horsepower and the ability to reach more than 205 mph.
One of the 644 examples made for the U.S. market, this car was delivered new to racing driver Tony Kanaan who won the IndyCar Series in 2004. The car was later exported to Canada, where it has been fitted with a Tubi exhaust system. Expect this Porsche to sell for around $800,000 when crossing the block.
Bonhams – The Scottsdale Auction
Hosting numerous auctions at prestigious events across the globe, Bonhams kicks off 2020 with the Scottsdale sale. A priceless 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C is the big attraction at the event, but the other 109 cars on offer do include more affordable options.
When: Previews begin on Tuesday, January 14th, and continue through to the sale itself on Thursday, January 16th.
Where: The Bonhams sale takes place at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, in Phoenix.
Entry cost: Entry starts at $30, increasing to $100 for the auction catalogue. Bidder registration costs $150, but includes access to all days.
Lot 72 2008 Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4
Numerous volumes have been written about the Bugatti Veyron, but the one time fastest street-legal production car in the world still manages to amaze with facts and figures. The mid-mounted 8.0-liter W-16 engine features four turbochargers, generating 987 horsepower and 922 lb-ft of torque. Capable of 253 mph, the all-wheel drive Veyron has a total of ten radiators to keep everything cool at speed.
A total of 178 Veyron coupes were made, with 76 built for the United States. Initially owned in California and the Midwest, this car was purchased by comedian Tracy Morgan in 2017. Morgan has added around 1,000 miles to the car in his ownership, with fewer than 3,000 miles still recorded on the odometer.
Lot 46 2008 Koenigsegg CCX
Close to rivalling the Veyron for power and performance, Koenigsegg has become an option for those who want a Swedish alternative to regular hypercars. The CCX gained notoriety for setting the fastest lap around the Top Gear test track, aided by the 806 horsepower from its twin-supercharged 4.7-liter V-8 engine.
Carbon fiber was used for the lightweight monocoque chassis, with Koenigsegg’s trademark dihedral synchro-helix actuation doors a notable attraction. A targa panel can be removed from the roof, showing off the blue leather and Alcantara interior. This example uses a six-speed manual transmission, and has been regularly serviced whilst in the United States.
Lot 36 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
The first-generation Camaro was launched in late 1966 to stop Ford dominating the pony car market. In order to transform the Camaro into a vehicle capable of competing in the SCCA Trans-Am series, Chevrolet offered the Z/28 option package. Key to this was the 302-cubic inch V-8 engine, combined with a four-speed ‘Rock Crusher’ transmission and power disc brakes.
One of the first 25 pre-production Z/28 models, this Camaro became a factory racer in the SCCA series. Driven by Gary Morgan, the car won 11 races during three years of competition. The car also appeared in a Gulf Oil commercial, noted for airing on TV during the moon landing broadcasts. Restoration work has recreated the original livery, with the Z/28 recently competing in the Spa Classic motorsport event.
Lot 21 1953 Buick Super Estate Wagon
Sold as the most expensive model in the Buick Super model range, the Estate Wagon was a refined and practical family car. Chrome trim abounds on the exterior bodywork inspired by the jet age, whilst the woodwork is real timber – not imitation vinyl. An expensive price tag when new meant Buick sold on 1,830 examples, with power coming from a 322-cubic inch Nailhead V-8 engine.
Subject to a comprehensive restoration process, this example is described as being in exquisite condition. A red and cream interior contrasts against the black paintwork, with the engine bay also presented immaculately. For woodie wagon fans, the $120,000 estimated sale price may seem more than reasonable.
Lot 110 1993 GMC Typhoon
It may be one of the cheaper options at the RM Sotheby’s sale, but the GMC Typhoon is on-trend with love for the 1990s at present. The Typhoon has also developed a cult following among enthusiasts, won over by the impressive performance from the turbocharged 4.3-liter V-6. Being capable of running the quarter-mile in 14 seconds puts it on par with serious sports cars.
One of 77 Apple Red examples made for the 1993 model year, this car has belonged to the same Californian family from new. In those 27 years, the owner has covered 25,000 miles, whilst the desert climate has helped keep the Typhoon free from corrosion. The paintwork needs some attention, as does the interior, but this could be a intriguing project.
Gooding & Company Scottsdale Auctions
Last year’s Gooding & Company event in Scottsdale was responsible for some of the most expensive cars sold at auction during 2019. The lot list promises more of the same in 2020, with 170 collector cars up for grabs.
When: Preview days run from Wednesday, January 15th, continuing through Thursday, January 16th. Sales take place on Friday, January 17th and Saturday, January 18th.
Where: Located in Old Town Scottsdale, Gooding & Company will be based near the Fashion Square Mall for 2020.
Entry cost: Single entry costs $40, with $100 buying access for two plus a catalogue. Bidder registration costs $200.
Lot 121 1948 Tucker 48
The story of Preston Tucker and his famous 48 sedan has been told many times. A total of 51 cars were made, with this being the 34th example made. It is also one of 12 finished in Waltz Blue. Believed to have originally belonged to the Tucker marketing department, the car has had five owners since, adding 6,000 miles to the odometer.
This car was featured in the Francis Ford Coppola movie ‘Tucker: The Man and His Dream’, along with appearances in other media. What makes this car notable is that it is one of the few examples not to have undergone a complete restoration, with some attention paid to the paintwork. An estimated sale price of $1.75 million to $2.25 million recognizes how collectible these cars have become.
Lot 015 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
The Gullwing version of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL may garner lots of attention, but the later Roadster came with more power from the 3.0-liter engine. Aimed at attracting sales in California, the Roadster proved popular with 1,800 examples sold across seven years of production.
Sold to a New Yorker in 1958, this car has had three other owners since 1976. The car was completely restored in the 1990s, whilst the current owner has also spent money on maintenance work. Expected to sell for between $900,000 and $1.2 million, the seller has committed to donating proceeds from the sale to the Serimus Foundation of Fort Collins, Colorado.
Lot 068 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier
A variant of Chevrolet’s Task Force pickup truck, the Cameo Carrier was aimed at bringing car-like comfort to the utility market. Distinctive styling from fiberglass panels marked it out, as did the two-tone color scheme. This Cameo left the factory fitted with the optional 265-cubic inch V-8 engine, producing 145 horsepower and matched to a three-speed manual transmission.
Being derived from the first year of production makes this truck more collectible, with the estimated sale price of $50,000 to $70,000 reflecting that. A comprehensive frame-off restoration was undertaken recently, with the Cameo having covered only 200 miles since.
Lot 033 1970 Porsche 914/6 GT
Factory-built Porsche racing cars are always attractive to collectors. This 1970 914/6 GT was developed to promote the six-cylinder version of Porsche’s 914 at motorsport events across the globe. Making a competition debut at the 1971 24 Hours of Daytona, the car up for sale in Arizona took class honors in that event. Along with other wins, the 914/6 GT took two more victories in 1971, and also appeared at the Montreal Auto Show.
Marked out by large fender flares, the 914/6 GT was driven by a mid-mounted 210 horsepower 2.0-liter engine. The car has been returned to the Sunoco livery used in 1971, and is supplied with plenty of documentation to demonstrate its racing heritage.
Lot 118 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS
With the new Land Rover Defender coming to the United States, interest in the limited number of the previous version sold here is high. Federal safety regulations made Land Rover withdraw the Defender 90 from the U.S. market in 1997, but not before celebrating it with 300 examples of a Limited Edition special.
All 300 Limited Editions were painted in Willow Green with a white roof, and equipped with a 4.0-liter V-8 engine and automatic transmission. What makes this Defender 90 more collectible is that it represents number 300 of 300 – the final Limited Edition model made. Gooding & Company estimates this classic 4×4 could achieve up to $250,000 on the block.
