Rare and Highly Sought After AMC Javelin at Russo and Steele Newport Beach!

Rare and Highly Sought After 390 ci Equipped 1970 AMC Javelin SST Mark Donohue Edition To Be On Offer at Russo and Steele’s 2015 Newport Beach Auction Event!

Scottsdale, Arizona (April 2nd, 2015) – For Enthusiasts – By Enthusiasts.™  Much more than a tagline, it’s our lifestyle and it’s one that infuses all aspects of our auction events. Fresh off a thrilling, action packed and highly memorable Scottsdale auction event, Russo and Steele looks to move our 15th anniversary celebration into overdrive and keep the pedal to the metal towards the perfectly manicured beaches of one of the foremost lifestyle destinations on earth: Newport Beach, California!

Produced from 1968 through 1974, the AMC Javelin was inserted into American Motors’ lineup as their ‘pony car’ answer to the competition put forth by Detroit’s Big Three: GM, Ford and Chrysler. To fit into a wide variety of budgets, AMC offered the Javelin with a variety of engines that included everything from the ‘stately’ 232 cubic-inch inline-six variant all the way up to the mightiest of AMC’s eight-cylinder powerplants. At Javelin’s introduction, the 343 cubic-inch four-barrel V-8 was a serious performance machine that offered with 280 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque on tap, while the cars were made available with optional disc brakes and wide tires that helped keep the power under control.

AMC’s previous attempt at a Mustang beater had been in the form of the erstwhile Rambler Marlin for 1965. The Mustang handily outsold the Marlin (as it did Plymouth’s very similar Barracuda and Dodge’s Charger) partly due to the Marlins large 112-inch wheelbase. The Marlin, however, did not leave roomy interior accommodations in the dust, however, for there was seating for six with plenty of trunk space. The thing AMC could not capitalize upon was the sporty image that the Ford found in their Mustang.

Undaunted, AMC's chief designer (and Packard/Studebaker veteran) Richard A. Teague quickly revised the design that resulted in the AMX concept cars that dawned late in the 1960's. Pressured by AMC’s upper management as well as by those with serious financial interests in the company, the Javelin production car that resulted from these prototypes was sent to market. Javelin borrowed heavily from the AMX concept's design and was considered by many to be sporty, modern and attractive in one package. The design was uncluttered and smooth with its split front grille and semi-fastback roofline while the interior featured opulently-appointed front bucket seats and rear bench for a mid-range car of its caliber. The standard suspension was comprised of coil springs and unequal-length wishbones in the front and semi-elliptic leaf springs and sold axle in the rear. The optional fast-ratio steering and handling package greatly improved the handling during aggressive driving.

Javelin was a proven success; during its introductory year, over 55,000 examples were produced. Prior to this time, AMC had not been known as a company that could produce a truly performance-oriented machine. However, Javelin, along with the help of Mark Donohue and Roger Penske, set a new reputation for American Motors on the fledgling Trans Am racing circuit. Over the course of nine races, the duo of Penske and Donohue scored seven wins and handily captured that year’s Championship in Trans Am, going on to repeat its success in the following two years much to the chagrin of the Big Three.

For 1969, AMC upped the ante when their new 390 cubic-inch V-8 engine became available. Its impressive 315 horsepower and 425 foot-pounds of torque could send the Javelin from zero-to-sixty in the seven-second range. The ‘Go’ package, checked off on the order sheet by many a buyer, featured front disc brakes, tuned suspension with anti-sway bar, upgraded tires, and a choice of three potent V-8 engines; in the end far more appealing than the pedestrian six-cylinder offerings. 1970 saw a repeat of the high-performance ‘Go’ package-equipped Javelin, but it was also at this time that a ‘halo’ edition of the Javelin SST became available with its biggest proponent’s name on the corner of the decklid.

This incredible “Big Bad Orange” example is just 1 of 2501 SST examples produced for 1970. As SCCA required a minimum of 2500 street examples to meet eligibility requirements for Trans Am, this nearly unattainable group of vehicles were manufactured solely as a means for AMC to homologate its aerodynamics and other race inspired performance components for the upcoming season. This example features the most desirable 390 ci V-8 and 4-barrel carburetor combination mated to a quick shifting 4-speed manual.  Additionally, it also includes an array of genuine Group 19 Factory Performance Parts. Inside, this piece of American racing inspired history demonstrates an exclusive level of luxury that no other pony cars of the era can lay claim to: An all real leather interior. A recipient of an exacting restoration to stock factory specifications, this exotic Javelin checks all the boxes for fans and collectors of historic AMC, American Muscle Cars, and for the Trans Am Racing era alike.

Experience all the high energy excitement of Russo and Steele for yourself. Join us in Newport Beach, California June 5^th-7^th, 2015 for the Ultimate California Collector Car Beach Party! Bidder registration for Newport Beach is just $200 and includes an official pocket guide and admission for all 3 days of “Auction in the Round” action for the bidder and one lucky guest. Stay tuned for further updates on our 3rd annual Newport Beach auction and join us in continuing to celebrate our 15th anniversary!

For Enthusiasts by Enthusiasts. ™   At Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions, it’s far more than a tagline - it’s our lifestyle! To obtain further supporting documentation, high-resolution images, or more information about the Russo and Steele and our upcoming Newport Beach, California auction, please contact Darin Roberge at darin@russoandsteele.com.

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About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions

One of the nation’s premier collector-car auction houses, Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions continues to set records and attract a discerning global clientele. In addition to our reputation for offering stellar collector automobiles, our unique high-energy auction experience is simply unattainable anywhere else. Auctions include our signature event in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, followed by June at Newport Beach, and August at Monterey, California. For additional information, please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.

Review of Toyota Aurion V6

The Aurion V6 is a higher end four door sedan manufactured by Toyota. Toyota depicts Aurion V6 as a car of "a new era in driving pleasure” which creates “a dynamic balance of the emotional and the rational”, flaunting its striking styling, exciting performance, and luxurious refinements.

The Toyota Aurion has a 3.5 litre V6 engine with twin-cam valve actuation system. The engine output is 200KW and 336Nm Torque. 6-speed sports automatic bring power to road through front wheels. Its emission rate is 215g CO2 per litre, which makes it green while still retaining an attainable price. The car curb weight is about 1.5 tonnes. With all five passengers, it’s able to travel 100 Km for 9.3 litres of gasoline. The car also gains a 5 star rating for safety. Aurion V6 comes in 6 different variants, which are AT-X, Prodigy, Presara, Sportivo SX6, Sportivo ZR6, and a special edition made in consideration of touring aspects.

The entry level Aurion AT-X comes with features like dual zone climate control, reverse camera, acoustic windshield, and sound insulated cabin for a quiet and noise free cabin. It has 16 inch alloy wheels, seven airbags, an electric driver seat with lumbar support for the driver, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 6.1 inch touch screen console capable of iPod and iPhone connectivity. Aurion Prodigy, a higher end model, replaces the 16 inch alloys wheel of AT-X with 17 inch ones. There is a full size spare with matching alloy wheel.

Additional features of the Aurion include its front fog lamps, parking assistance, a rain sensor, leather interiors, a driver seat with an electric programmable memory system, and rear sunshade. Aurion Presara includes HID lamps, JBL audio, moonroof, a blind spot monitor, and satellite navigation with traffic updates provided by SUNA GPS Traffic Updates available in certain Australian cities.

Sportivo SX6 and Sportivo ZR6 are sportier versions of Aurion which come packed with a sports paddle shift gearbox, a one touch entry and engine start option, sporty front seats, HID lamps, an adaptive front lighting system, and a sports suspension system.

While AT-X, Prodigy, Presara and two sports model make up the standard Aurion versions, a touring-oriented version was made available by Toyota which features dual exhaust, dual zone auto climate control, a reverse camera, and sports pedals. This version is a special edition that is available on order.

The external dimensions of the Aurion increased in 2012 model in terms of length and width. The Aurion now has more rear seat leg room and increased boot space. The seats can be pushed down to make areas nearly flat, which can come in handy for times that one is travelling with large cargo.

The fuel efficiency was measured between 7 to 8 litres per hundred kilometre on motorways and country sides. The efficiency decreased to 10 litres per hundred kilometres in city traffic. Aurion has six automatic speeds, and the sport version features steering mounted paddle shifters.

Since Aurion is developed in Australia, the suspensions are tuned according to Australian driving conditions. Ride, handling and body roll brings trust to 5 star safety rating of the car. The car has some under-steer when coming out of corners which opposes its 1.5 tonne curb weight. Generally, a car this heavy would show slightly more over-steer. The under-steer makes it a sportier car.

Unwanted noise and vibration has been eliminated by the use of acoustic windshields and insulation in the cabin. Double seals have been installed in the door glass. The acoustic windshield, door, and cabin installations work together to make the car handle well in harsh road conditions. 

To sum it up, the Toyota Aurion V6 was made for tasteful customers who wanted something modern and new. Although Aurion is sold in many south-eastern Asian countries, Toyota's main focus in developing the Aurion V6 was leaned towards Australia, and it is Australian built. The car is nice to drive, has a safety measure rating of 5 stars, and is efficient enough for modern emission norms.

Author: Erin Warbrook is a freelance writer who lives in Perth, Western Australia. If you want to

test-drive the new Aurion A6, call into New Town Toyota; one of the premier Toyota dealers in

Western Australia. Download the New Town Toyota iPhone app for fast service and test-drive bookings.

Motor Enthusiasts Conference 2013

If you own a modified car be there...

The Australian Confederation of Motor
Clubs will host the 2013 Motor Enthusiast Conference on February 17 at Sydney Motorsport Park. Whilst access to the conference room is reserved for car club delegates only, all auto enthusiasts are invited to participate in the huge show and shine where the meeting will be broadcast live via the Pinky show van. The turnout in 2012 was nothing short of amazing and was acknowledged as a show of strength and   support from the modified car community.

www.customcarsales.com.au

“On this day you will hear the actual meeting and its content, all this is very important so we can move forward as an Enthusiast community in NSW just as you all did last year,” said Mick Saide. “We are hoping for some new and updated announcements from the NSW Roads minister so we can all continue building our cars and making modifications in NSW. 

The fight is not over in NSW, we are just getting warmed up in the quest to ensure the Motor Enthusiast Community in NSW is stronger than ever before.”

For further information visit www.confederationofmotorclubs.org.au.

Custom Car Sales staff will be there and suggest that the modified car community heard down to support our sport.

Cheers

Janson

Tough anti-hooning laws in parliament

Media Statements

Minister for Police and Community Safety

The Honourable Jack Dempsey

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tough anti-hooning laws in parliament

Queensland is set to have the nation’s toughest anti-hooning laws after the introduction of the Police Powers and Responsibilities (Motor Vehicle Impoundment) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 to parliament this afternoon.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said when passed through parliament the new laws would see offenders have their cars impounded after their first serious hooning offence.

He said a second offence within five years would have far more serious implications with offenders’ vehicles crushed or forfeited.

“For too long hoons have put the lives of Queenslanders in danger and been punished with little more than a ‘slap on the wrist’,” Mr Dempsey said.

“These new laws will ensure that hoons know they will be punished for dangerous driving on Queensland roads.

“The previous laws, by the former Labor Government’s own admission, were too weak.

“Over the past 10 years 92% of the 320,000 vehicles which were impounded ended back on Queensland roads.

“These new laws will put the brakes on hooning and ensure these dangerous drivers are off the road.”

Mr Dempsey said the Queensland Police Service would continue to operate the Hoon Hotline which helps police target hooning hotspots.

“Members of the public can call the Hoon Hotline and report any hooning activity they have seen in their area,” he said.

“A description of the vehicle, what it was doing, the registration plates, the time and where the vehicle was can go a long way to helping police locate these offenders.”

To contact the Hoon Hotline people can call 134 666.

1970 Holden Torana GTR XU-1

For Sale at www.customcarsales.com.au 

This car was built at Acacia Ridge, Brisbane, in October 1970 thus coinciding with the first ever running of the GTR XU-1 at Bathurst. 

The cars PSN number ( production sequence number ) shows that it was one of the first 400 GTR XU-1'S ever built., ( my PSN number is H175274 ). 

First registered new in New Zealand on the 11th of December 1970, the original owner was Tony Shelly ( Formula One racing car driver ) Tony Shelly raced in the British Grand Prix in 1962 as well as many other prestigious race circuits during his career. Tony raced this car for 16 months on the nz circuits.

The car has had a complete repaint ( $10,500 ) in it's original colour ( 1815, Plumdinger ) approx five years ago and still looks as new. 

The engine was completely rebuilt 1 year ago ( $8,000 ) has a lumpy cam with a H26 grind, also had a new Starter motor and a new Alternator at the same time, the engine is a beast. 

Please note the car does not retain it's original block but does have it's original crank and numbers matching head and triple 150 Stromburg carbs ( which have also been fully rebuilt ) the rebuild was extensive and the car runs and sounds amazing, always turns heads. This car has great history and is truly exhilarating to drive.

The under side of the bonnet has been signed by Peter Brocks brothers ( Phil & Lewis ) the car has central locking, is alarmed and also comes with a complete set of original wheels in excellent condition.

Please note the car is located in NZ and the cost of shipping is the responsibility of the purchaser but I am happy to help out in any way possible. Approx cost of shipping to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne is $2,000.

 Cheers 
Janson Kane

What is my car worth?

At Custom Car Sales we get asked this questions almost daily. The fact is that as car enthusiasts we spend a fair bit on our cars. Sometimes it is for investment and calculations are made to help make money on a car.

More often than not we spend more than any possible return on the car.

So what's the answer to the question? Well a car is the same as many things in life and it is only worth what people are willing to pay. Especially with highly modified and custom cars, the task of putting a price on your pride and joy makes life even more difficult. 

There are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. How quickly do I need to sell?
1. If you are in no hurry to sell advertise the car on a site that your ad runs for an extended time.
2. Think of a price that you would not be able to turn down if someone walked up to you and offered and use that as your starting price. As you get more motivated to sell modify your ad and drop the price.
3. If you are in a hurry it comes down to what is on the market around the same style model etc. More importantly you need to price the car at about 10% above what you need to allow for some negotiation.
2. What work am I prepared to put into selling my car?
1. It still amazes me how little "work" owners put into selling their cars. the most effective way to get more people to see your car is to advertise online. There are a number of online car classifieds and comparing them is a whole blog series on it's own. No matter which one you choose there are a few tips that will help
1. Take more photo's...I commonly see only 5 or so photo's. there is a reason that www.customcarsales.com.au allow up to 50 images per ad. 
2. Take photo's of the good and the bad points. This will ensure the calls/contact you get are informed and still keen. Don't waste you time trying to cover up bad points most buyers are aware, especially car enthusiasts.
3. Name your photo's... Your camera will give a letter/number name to the file when the image is captured. When you have the photo's on you computer screen hold to mouse over each one then right click the mouse button and go to "rename". When you name your photo use a long description. This means your name should look like this "1976 Holden LX Torana Hatch SLR Blue" "1976 Holden LX Torana Hatch SLR Blue 2"  . Your now thinking "why?" the reason is that if you name 50 photo's with this type of description Google will register each one and it will make your ad more visible when a buyer searches.
4. Description.... usually your the one who loves this car so you need to get that across to buyers. We see $70,000 asking prices with 5 line descriptions. You need to write a paragraph on the make and model and about the car in general, then a paragraph on the paint/panel, interior,engine transmission and diff, wheels and suspension. Also any other interesting info like car show results, magazine articles etc.
5. Video,,,Use your phone or video camera to upload a video to YouTube of vimeo and then link it in the ad. Sometimes this is in the description or as in www.customcarsales.com.au there is a place for the link (make sure you use the long link not the short link). With the video start at the drivers door with the motor idling. then slowing walk around the car till you end up back at the drivers door. Go for a drive with the camera inside and have a shot of the car driving from the outside. Take a look at www.rk-motors.com video below for inspiration.

Now if this looks like too much work. Ask yourself if someone paid you $10,000 to do this would you? the honest answer is yes. Now take a look at your asking price.....someone will pay you if you make the effort..

Only $15.00 runs till it sells

Cheers,

Janson Kane

Cover your ass

At Custom Car Sales we see a huge amount of car related products and advertising but checkout www.coverking.com and their latest promo video. If you have a car you love and /or have spent plenty on you should invest in one of these.

After you read the info and have watched the video it's hard to argue a point not to get one of these.

Cheers, Janson Kane

Below is some info from www.coverking.com

Custom Car Covers by Coverking protect a vehicle from hazards while providing a clean, custom fit.Coverking spares no expense in creating a custom car cover which fits perfectly, and with the fewest seams possible. Coverking developed the widest selection of custom car cover materials, choosing to engineer it’s own fabrics instead of relying on “off the shelf” materials. Coverking has also pioneered the use of car cover fabrics in colors, two tone designs and reflective treatment. Coverking is officially licensed to silkscreen and embroider GM logos and other designs. Coverking Custom Car Covers are made using advanced CAD/CAM design and production systems. Coverking is TS16949 certified and QS-9000 quality certified. Customers are thrilled with Coverking Custom Car Covers. Even Monsoons can't get through a Coverking Custom Car Cover parked on an Island in the Indian Ocean!

Why Choose Coverking Custom Car Covers?
Coverking set out to create a superior Custom Car Covers in fit, material properties, looks, strength and features. Coverking Custom Car Covers protect the vehicle interior from fading, block prying eyes from seeing what’s inside the car (and acting as a theft deterrent) and help the environment by reducing the need for car washing. Some Coverking materials can prevent minor nicks, scratches and even small hail damage. Coverking Custom Car Covers are a great way to protect vehicles parked at airports or near industrial sites. In very sunny climates, they keep the interior cooler and in winter they keep the snow off the glass. And because Coverking insists on using the fewest seams, Coverking Custom Car Covers look great!

Pattern Fit and Design
Car Covers use a lot of material, - 30 yards is common for most vehicles. In an effort to save material, some car cover manufactures use patterns which are “chopped up” into small pieces, and sewn together creating a patchwork effect. This method saves more than 20% of total material use, but results in car covers which look like patchwork quilts – seams everywhere.

By having extra seams, risks of seam failures and seam leakage increase. In addition, the car cover looses it’s custom look and resembles a universal cover. Coverking has never compromised the function or fit of it’s Custom Car Covers to save a few yards of fabric. 

Materials
The qualities that make a Car Cover suitable for use depend largely on the fabric properties. Coverking designs it’s own fabrics, and has the world’s leading textile mills handle the manufacturing. Because Coverking has a team of engineers to specify exact material composition and construction, we are able to meet the most stringent material test requirements set out by the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers. Coverking does not use “off-the-shelf” fabrics, which are ill-suited to car cover needs. All Coverking outdoor Custom Car Cover materials are breathable – this allows moisture which is trapped under the car to escape through the cover, preventing a “greenhouse” condition of condensation which may result in rust damage. Coverking pioneered colored materials and two tone designs for outdoor use. Unlike other car covers, Coverking Custom Car Covers are designed to withstand the color fading effects of the sun. Click here for more information.

Construction
Coverking Custom Car Covers are designed and cut on sophisticated CAD/CAMsystems, which Coverking pioneered twenty years ago. All outdoor Cover king Custom Car Covers are sewn using double needle and overlapped seams, resulting in a durable, leak resistant seam which has a backup stitch if the main stitch fails. Cover king's indoor Stretch Satin fabric is sewn with a "blind seam"which is ideal for use in the indoor, show-car conditions the fabric was designed for. Coverking Custom Car Covers have neoprene elastic tensioners sewn in the front and rear of every cover. Protection grommets for the optional security kit are sewn in the sides and covered, so as not tobe visible when the car cover is covering a vehicle. All outdoor Custom Car Covers are sewn with heavy, wax coated thread. The thin coating of wax helps to seal the fabric where the needle pierced through, reducing the chance of leakage through the seam.

Advertise you car today!

 

Investment Cars Down Under

Got a bit carried away with a discussion in one of my LinkedIn groups and thought i would share it here. The question was,

What does everybody think will be the next big movers in the classic car world?

My quick reply....

Aussie muscle cars like the GT Falcon and Torana are already reaching the 50k for a good one. The 70's Monaro will become more sought after as the HK HT HG models are already at 30k for an average one and up to 300+ for a Bathurst GTS edition.

The Brock commodores as still affordable and will not lose momentum for some time.  The 80's XD and XE will earn great return if they are replica Group C racing versions.

On the immediate horizon I am and will continue to buy Holden HD and HR as they are still around but are rising in value. The EH Holden has already hit the 10k mark for a ok one but the EJ Holden is still affordable and celebrating its 50th birthday this year.

For Sale at Custom Car Sales

As a general genre the station wagon will begin a steady rise over the next 10 years led by the more scarce Aussie panel vans.

Don't forget the Valiant/Chryser brand as the production numbers were lower and now the availability is lower as well.

As for the USA cars the 50's pickups are affordable but not for long The 71-73 Mustang is snowballing as prices for the earlier models sky rocket. 

And as is the case in the US the mid to late 70s Camaro and Pontiac Trans Am's will show a great return if you buy now and hold for about 5 years.

For a last suggestion the Aussie 2002 Monaro would be a great buy as they will be bottoming out soon and due to the limited years in the return they will be collector cars in no time.

Thanks for the discussion as it has inspired me to ad a blog about this topic to our site www.customcarsales.com.au in the very near future.