On Saturday Jan. 17, we watched the final vehicles from the Ron Pratte collection cross the block, and the block was… well… not white-hot but pretty hot none-the-less. It looks like we might have seen the top of the mountain as the majority of classics in the Pratte collection failed to reach the dollar amounts as their previous auction totals. While Pratte may have paid top dollar a few years ago, it seems like the market will settle bit after this hype-beast of an auction. Here are some of the notables from the final day. What was your favorite? What do you think was the biggest surprise?

1966 SHELBY COBRA 427 “SUPER SNAKE”
Sold $5,115,000

Photo: Barrett-Jackson
Cobra To End All Cobras. CSX 3015 is absolutely the real deal. CSX 3015 is one of only 23 427 competition roadsters built. On September 7, 1965, CSX 3015 was shipped and invoiced to Ford Advanced Vehicles, England, as a 427 Cobra Competition roadster together with CSX 3014 (another 427 Cobra Competition) and two R-model Shelby’s (5R107 and 5R209) for a European promotional tour. It returned back from Europe in late 1966 still as a 427 Cobra Competition. Sometime early to mid-1967, CSX 3015 was transformed into the Super Snake and reclassified as 427 Cobra Semi-Competition (S.C.). The reason was quite simple; a 427 Cobra Competition didn’t have mufflers, windshield, bumpers, etc. It was a race car only and not street legal. Although many SC’s were raced and never saw a public road- all 427 Cobra SC’s had titles and were legal to drive on public roads. 427 competition and SC Cobras have different hips and noses. The February 1968 Road & Track pictures clearly show the hips and nose of a 427 competition roadster, not an SC. As history shows, CSX 3015 is one of two Super Snake Cobras built. The other being CSX 3303 built for Bill Cosby. CSX 3303 was a 1967 427 street car retained by Shelby American as a PR car and then made into a Super Snake for Bill Cosby. Cosby’s record album titled “200 MPH” attests to the fact of why he only drove it once before returning it to Shelby American. Shelby American sold it to S and C Motors in San Francisco, who then sold it to their customer, Tony Maxey. Maxey destroyed himself and CSX 3303 by driving off of a cliff and into the Pacific Ocean. I know have had a ten year ownership history with an original, un-molested 427 Cobra Competition CSX 3017. When CSX 3015 arrived home, CSX 3017 was already on jack stands for comparison. After thorough inspection, CSX 3015 is a full Competition Roadster, still retaining its original body with its 1967 aluminum ‘Super Snake’ hood. Steve Davis and I scraped through two layers of paint; black and Viking blue to find its’ brilliant Guardsman Blue. It has its original date coded 1965 Competition Girling CR and BR calipers. It still has its 427 Competition 377 rear end with its original rear end oil cooler and pumps. Unbelievably, it still has its original 1965 date coded engine block, 5M17, December 17, 1965. I found that 3015 still had its original headers with its original chromed side pipes that had been spray painted flat black! In fact, I found CSX 3015 so ‘period original’ I have opted to renew instead of restore. Why is CSX 3015 so historically significant? Carroll Shelby. He built at a time when Americans were just Americans and proud to be Americans. He told me he built it just to see how fast it was and he told me it was a Monster that threw belts off on a regular basis.

1950 GENERAL MOTORS FUTURLINER PARADE OF PROGRESS TOUR BUS
Sold $4,600,000 ($600,000 to charity)

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

One of 12 built by GM, a self-contained display and transport vehicle created by the GM design staff under Harley Earl’s direction. Opening side, lighting, retractable stage, distinctive center “cupola” cockpit driving position and dual-wheel front axle. Used in the “Parade of Progress” touring exhibit created by “Boss” Kettering that complemented the GM “Motoramas” from 1940 through 1956. One of only three survivors restored in their original “Parade of Progress” configuration (most of the others are in long-term ownership by NATMUS and Peter Pan Bus Lines), this Futurliner is fully functional and has toured Canada in corporate promotions. Returned to its original “Parade of Progress” configuration and colors. Powered by a 400cid GM truck engine and fully equipped, including an onboard motor-generator and updated air conditioning for the driver’s compartment. A matchless symbol of the American auto industry at the height of its power and influence. Upon purchase, the Futurliner was re-restored by Ron Pratte to include a new set of period-correct tires produced from correct molds. Titled as a 1953. **ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE ARMED FORCES FOUNDATION

1954 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SPECIAL MOTORAMA CONCEPT CAR
Sold $3,300,000

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

It’s said that Harley Earl, director of GM styling, got the idea for a GM concept car while watching world speed records being set at the Salt Flats in Utah. It would be a sports racer called a Bonneville Special. That was when 1954 models were being readied for production, and no GM car had ever carried the Bonneville name. Perhaps Harley Earl gave the assignment to Pontiac as the birth of its upcoming performance image. Under the direction of Earl, Hommer LaGassey and Paul Gilland were directed to build two Bonneville Specials. The bronze car would debut in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf in New York and the green one in the Pan Pacific Auditorium in Los Angeles. The green model would later tour major dealerships around the country. The cars were showbiz and beyond production, but realistic enough for the public to identify with them and make them contenders for best-remembered Motorama cars.

2005 FORD GT SERIAL #003
Sold $605,000

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

This Ford GT carries Serial #003 in Quicksilver dress. Quicksilver was a 2005-only color. This is the lowest production number offered to the public. 5.4 Liter/550hp V8 with a 6-speed transmission. The ultimate American sports car. Ford wrote motor racing history in 1966 by becoming the first American manufacturer to win the grueling 24 Hours of LeMans Race. The epic victory was scored by the Ford GT (commonly known as the GT40), which went on to win another three times at LeMans. Today the performance of the GT is still considered the highlight in Ford’s rich racing history and holds a special place in most racing enthusiasts’ hearts. To celebrate their Centennial Anniversary, Ford decided to give its most legendary design a rebirth, almost 40 years after it first roared down the long straights of LeMans.

2007 BLASTOLENE B-702 CUSTOM ROADSTER
Sold $550,000

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

The B-702 is a creation from the Blastolene Brothers, Michael Leeds and Randy Grubb. The B-702, designed by Leeds, was inspired by the great French cars of the 1930s. The size of the car is surprising at 19.5 feet long, and the 94″ width makes a powerful impact. The dramatic separation between the body and pod-style front fenders is further highlighted by the glass grille bars and woodlight headlights. The 702cid V12 was produced from 1960-1965 by GMC for use in 2-1/2-ton medium-duty trucks, producing 650 ft/lbs of torque at 850rpm on regular gasoline. A modern Allison 4-speed sends power to a 9″ Ford Currie rear end. 4-wheel power disc brakes and power steering makes the 4,800-pound car drive like a dream. The Blastolene Brothers are known for their oversized V12-powered custom cars. Their first project was the “Jay Leno Tank Car” that rocked the automotive world in 2002. This was the first Blastolene creation to be offered to the public. The hand-formed aluminum body rides on a custom frame, and the entire chassis is nickel-plated or powder coated to a show quality. The interior is finished in maroon leather, and the oversized speedometer cluster is a Lincoln Zephyr unit. Rear fenders and body are all one flowing piece. The deep separation between the body and fenders is accented by hand-blown glass taillights. Painted Midnight Blue, this should be considered a rolling piece of sculpture. Debuted at Quail Lodge in Monterey, CA, in August 2007, the B-702 was a new construction. This uniquely American creation is a true one-of-a-kind coachbuilt masterpiece. The Blastolene Brothers have created the unique look of this creation by combining the American love of high-powered, large displacement engines with a refined, almost European design sensibility. The resulting blend is unique in the automotive world — a passionate design statement with the performance of traditional American Hot Rodding

1969 SHELBY GT500 CONVERTIBLE
“CARROLL SHELBY’S”
Sold $550,000

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

The July 2001 issue of Mustang Monthly listed this car as the number-one car on their “Top 10 Dream Cars” to own. This 1960s Shelby Cobra Mustang was owned by Carroll Shelby since new until sold to Ron Pratte in 2008. Carroll owned it for more than three decades. A 5-year concours rotisserie restoration by nationally known Shelby restorer Jim Cowles completed in September 2007. Carroll Shelby owned only one other Shelby from the 1960s since new, and that is the first Shelby AC Cobra, CSX2000.

1969 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 429
Sold $550,000

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

Only offered for two years, 1969 (859 built) and 1970 (499 built), the Mustang BOSS 429 represents the extreme lengths taken by Ford to remain competitive in NASCAR stock car competition. Because the BOSS 429 twisted HEMI engine was several inches too wide to fit between the Mustang’s stock shock towers, Ford sent partially constructed Mustangs from its Dearborn plant to Brighton, MI, subcontractor Kar Kraft for BOSS 429 installation. The completed street models homologated the engine for use in NASCAR competition (ironically, where they competed in Torino-bodied race cars). This 1969 Ford Mustang BOSS 429 is KK #1371 and was the 170th unit produced. It was awarded 504 points at a major Mustang meet in Charlotte, NC. The condition of the car – coupled with the presence of original paperwork, such as the Build Sheet, three invoices and other critical documents – earned the extra points. It is a stunning semi-restored example that retains its original Raven Black paint in the door jambs, trunk and several other regions. It is complete with the factory-installed smog pump, distributor, exhaust manifolds, carburetor and engine speed limiter. The underside is a mix of untouched factory original surfaces and expertly rendered touch-ups by noted BOSS 429 expert/restorer Bob Perkins. The correct 1969-only safety-wired extra-duty front suspension members are present and differ from the BOSS 302-sourced items used on the 1970 BOSS 429. The 1969-specific 3/4″ rear sway bar and transverse muffler are present and complement this car’s 820S power plant. Installed in only the first 279 BOSS 429s, the 820S engine has magnesium rocker covers, larger valves and big NASCAR connecting rods with 1/2″ rod bolts, all of which are present in this example. This is one of the finest BOSS Nines in existence.

1949 MG TC ROADSTER RACE CAR
Sold $539,000

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

The first car that Carroll Shelby drove in a road race — the car that started his racing career. In May 1952, his good friend Ed Wilkins let Carroll Shelby drive this MG TC in a road race at Norman, OK. It was Shelby’s first sport car race. He won it and the second race too, easily outrunning the Jaguar XK120s. That race and this car changed the course of his life, as he went on to achieve immortality as creator of the Shelby Cobra and Mustang, as well as other significant cars. This vintage race car was part of the famous Syd Silverman Collection for 20 years before being purchased by Ron Pratte. It’s well known throughout the MG vintage race car circuit. This historical MG was awarded the prestigious Collier Cup in 2005 at the all-MG vintage race in Watkins Glen, NY. It also sports the original 1250cc 4 cylinder engine that has been built up to 100+hp and is race ready. This was the car nostalgically referred to and extensively talked about in numerous stories and articles, including an interview with Carroll Shelby in the June 2008 issue of Octane magazine. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own an important piece of automotive history.NOTE: The Shelby family bought this car at the 2015 auction.

1941 PACKARD D’AGOSTINO CUSTOM “GABLE”
Sold $495,000

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

1967 SHELBY GT500 FASTBACK
Sold $440,000

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

The first year of the big block Shelby Mustang debuted in 1967 when Ford installed a 390cid V8 engine in the standard GT model. It opened the path for Carroll Shelby to take the whole concept a big step further by offering a 428cid dual-quad big block to his elite group of Shelby car enthusiasts. The results were a radical departure from the standard-looking Mustang. Through the extensive use of stylized lightweight fiberglass on the hood, trunk and side air scoops, the already highly popular pony car was transformed into an aggressive race-ready-looking grand touring muscle car we know today as the Shelby GT500. The ’67 Shelby sported good looks, performance and a whole host of upgraded options such as H.D. suspension with thicker anti-sway bars, functional brake scoops on early cars along with inboard headlights, power steering cooler, 15×7″ cast aluminum wheels, functional roll bar and shoulder harness, oil pressure and amp gauge cluster, traction lock differential and a 140 mph speedometer with 8,000 rpm tachometer. Offered here is one of the rarest examples of Shelby history. Car #943 was a family car given to Mike Shelby by his father, Carroll, in his favorite color combination: Midnight Metallic Blue with Parchment interior. Documented as authentic in the Shelby Registry and beautifully restored to concours original condition by one of the leading Shelby restoration experts, this GT500 is one of the most collectible cars in Shelby history. This car is a matching numbers example of preserved authenticity retaining its California black license plate. Beautifully finished in the original color Midnight Metallic Blue with Parchment interior, Wimbledon White stripes, inboard headlights, top loader 4-speed, brake ducts, 10-spoke alloy wheels, original and very rare “one-year-only” wood steering wheel and horn button, along with Carlite glass in rear and side windows. Fit and finish on the entire car is excellent. Owning a car with authentic Shelby history is becoming a scarce reality.

1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR “CHEZOOM”
Sold $352,000

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

For sale at auction: Lot #2514 – Built by Boyd Coddington, “Chezoom” is the most recognized and famous ’57 Chevy worldwide and is possibly one of his most famous creations. She’s timeless in design and originality and is truly a very important icon of custom automotive design history, featured in publications worldwide. Her pedigree was further enhanced with the input of a substantial upgrade and minor modifications in 2004. Highlights are a “completely modified” and newly designed interior, the addition of air, new sound and XM satellite system, custom one-off Boyd wheels with matching steering wheel, “new” exhaust and tail pipe design, engine compartment mods, chroming, headlights, LED taillights, etc. Paint is original.

1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI SUPERBIRD
Sold $330,000

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

This “survivor” factory Superbird has just over 6,000 documented original miles and is perhaps the finest remaining example of an original Superbird in existence. With a professional repaint to exact factory standards and a remarkably preserved original body, undercarriage, engine compartment and interior, this Superbird is second to none. Equipped with a 426/425hp HEMI V8, TorqueFlite transmission, performance axle package, power disc brakes, hood pins, power steering, black vinyl top, Rally wheels and high-impact paint with stripe delete, this Superbird is well-optioned. Documentation includes original Fender Tags, Window Sticker, Broadcast Sheet and owner’s manual. This is one of 135 ever produced.

2013 FORD SHELBY GT500 “SERIAL #001”
Sold $308,000

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

Beautiful Red Candy metallic exterior with black leather Recaro bucket seats and optional Shaker audio system. This Shelby CSM 0001 GT500 has a supercharged 5.8 Liter DOHC V8 making 662hp that is run to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. A great opportunity to purchase a piece of Ford, Shelby and Ron Pratte history with this Serial #001 Shelby.

2007 FORD SHELBY GT500 SUPER SNAKE PRUDHOMME EDITION
Sold $275,000

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

Racing legends Carroll Shelby and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme joined forces to build the ultimate street-legal dragster. Only 100 Prudhomme Super Snake packages were offered by Shelby Autos, and this is the one and only concept car used to launch the program, carrying Shelby CSM #0001C. The two icons unveiled it during a reception at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in February 2009. The Prudhomme Edition Super Snake concept car is powered by a 5.4 Liter Supercharged engine that makes 800hp on race fuel or 750hp on 93-octane pump gas. The concept also includes a Kenne Belle modified air intake sticking out of the hood in the tilt front end, a 5-point impact safety harness and Borla side exhaust system. A front and rear adjustable BMR racing suspension and drag tires are included. Intended to be a true street-legal drag car, the build team at Shelby Autos used the championship careers of Carroll Shelby and Don Prudhomme as their inspiration. Shelby was twice named Sports Illustrated’s “Driver of the Year.” Prudhomme’s successful racing career included winning the NHRA funny car championship four times, and he was the first funny car driver to exceed 250 mph. Prudhomme drove a Shelby Super Snake dragster for the 1968 NHRA season.

1956 CHEVROLET 210 “JUNKYARD DOG”
Sold $216,700

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

Built by Boyd’s Garage in 2003, the Junkyard Dog 1956 Chevy 210 Resto-Mod rides on an Art Morrison chassis, with chromed Kugel Components independent coilover front and rear suspension and disc brakes all around. The rear discs mount DeDion-style, affixed directly to the ends of the Ford 9″ center section, inboard of the half-shafts. Under the hood, a fully polished GM Performance Parts Ram Jet 502 EFI engine feeds power to a Richmond 5-speed stick via a McLeod heavy-duty clutch and pressure plate. Inside, the Long Industries shift handle, Boyd billet steering wheel and modernized instrument cluster coexist with a tastefully subtle bench seat and custom pleated vertical panels rendered in white and red two-tone to complement the arrow-straight body. Typical of Boyd’s many subtle touches, the stock rear bumper has been replaced by a Nomad unit. This allows the license plate to be mounted on the bumper rather than against the trunk lid for a cleaner look. Rolling on 17×7 and 18×10 Boyd Coddington wheels and ZR-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 tires with Wilwood four-corner disc brakes, there’s zero junkyard content in this Junkyard Dog. Even though it was completed over a decade ago, the Dog is still as crisp and fresh as when it was first unveiled.