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We’re going to explore what might be termed political incorrectness with our weekly look at the AutoHunter collector car auction docket. Two of the cars are re-creations, for which many automotive purists express disdain. The other car has a short-lived model name that long ago fell out of favor with its maker and customers alike.
Note: My comment about political incorrectness is not a commentary on the quality of these vehicles, simply on the process of re-creating vehicles, or of giving vehicles model names that are or someday might be considered controversial.
As far as re-creations, they can be a much more affordable way to enjoy driving experiences similar to those in the original versions, which have likely become extremely rare and/or extremely expensive.
So should you purchase a re-creation, openly admit when asked that it is, indeed, not an original and enjoy it for
1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C (re-creation)
Bidding on this car ends August 2. Its consignor doesn’t state in AutoHunter’s online catalog which company produced this re-creation of the famed Shelby Cobra. However, looking at the photos that are part of the report, there appears to be a manufactured by Shelby American label on the dashboard.
Photos also show snakeskin patterns on the interior trim and the car’s racing stripes.
The text does report that the car was built in 2017, and draws power from a 331cid Ford “stroker” V8 engine linked to an automatic transmission.
The roadster has Wilwood brakes, “Halibrand-style” 15-inch aluminum wheels, Viking coilover suspension, with Mustang II components up front.
The car is purported to carry a Carroll Shelby autograph on its dashboard, although there’s no explanation about when he might have signed any components used on the car’s dash (Shelby died in 2012).
The odometer shows 5,850 miles, “of which about 1,000 have been added by the seller,” we’re informed.
1959 Porsche 718 RSK (replica)
The Porsche 718 RSK was built for racing from 1957 to 1962 and was the successor to the 550A. The RS in RSK was short for RennSport (sports racing) and the K came from the shape of the car’s revised torsion-bar front suspension. The 917 RSK was built for racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning its class in 1958 and 1961, and finishing third overall in 1958. It also was driven to the European Hill Climb Championship in 1958 and 1959. Sans fenders, it also raced in Formula One and Formula Two.
The replica version offered on AutoHunter was done by Thunder Ranch, an El Cajon, California, company that the AutoHunter description notes is now known as Rock West Racing.
The car has a 1,498cc flat-four-cylinder engine linked to a 4-speed manual transaxle.
The car is built on a space-frame chassis, and it has what is termed “a blended polyester body.” The color is Burgundy metallic with gold trim and badges, and tan vinyl seating for two.
The car currently rides on chrome-finished “racecar” wheels, but a set of wire wheels is included in its sale, the consignor reports.
While a replica, the car figures to turn heads wherever it’s driven or shown, as well as being a lot of fun to drive.
The 718 RSK replica’s auction ends August 5.
In the years between the world wars, it was not unusual for automakers to give vehicles names with political overtones. Consider the Studebaker President, Commander, even the Dictator, a model name that lasted until 1937.
In 1932, Chevrolet called its Series BA line the Confederate, a name that lasted only a single year, during which it produced more than 300,000 Confederates in more than a dozen body types.
The Confederate name replaced Independence, and was replaced by Master Eagle.
Being offered up for bidding on AutoHunter is a 1932 Chevrolet Confederate 2-door sedan that has a restored steel body, independent front suspension, late-model bucket seats (from a 2010 Pontiac Vibe; the original seats are offered with the car), and even air conditioning and a Kenwood stereo. The original 194cid, 60-horsepower inline 6 has been replaced by a rebuilt 250cid 6 upgraded with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor and linked to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Can you say resto-mod? While the car appears to be stock on the outside, the changes beneath the sheetmetal would seem to have converted it into a pleasing to drive vehicle.
The seller notes that the car has been driven 2,000 miles since the drivetrain was rebuilt.
One more note: We looked at the photos that are part of the car’s description and the only place we could find the word “Confederate” was on the VIN plate.
To see the full array of vehicles available for bidding, including those the likely have nothing potentially controversial about them, visit the AutoHunter website.
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