 1953 Buick Roadmaster |
"Our family and company have always been interested in aviation as well as automobiles," noted Craig Jackson, President and CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "Last year's record-setting sale of Howard Hughes' 1953 Buick Roadmaster proved that America appreciates a vehicle's provenance as much as its intrinsic value. We're honored to sell two more of Mr. Hughes' vehicles, which will surely become the centerpieces of some of the finest collections."
The most unusual of the two Hughes cars up for grabs is a remarkable 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible, Lot #1318, which was converted into a high performance airport rescue vehicle. It features both hard and soft tops, a 225 horsepower V8 and some of the greatest documented history of any Thunderbird ever made.
During the world's longest flight in 1959, the Rescue Thunderbird, then owned by George "Mr. Aviation" Crockett, a blood descendent of the famous Tennessee pioneer, Davy Crockett, and Alamo Airways, lent refueling assistance from the ground after the original fuel truck malfunctioned. Because of the Thunderbird, the 172 Cessna stayed in the air for over 64 days. In 1967, Hughes Tool Co. purchased Alamo Airways and all of its holdings, including the T-Bird, which quickly became a key point of interest to Mr. Hughes.
"Every car that Howard Hughes ever owned has a great history," added Barrett-Jackson Executive Vice President Steve Davis. "These cars were built during an experimental age for both flight and the automotive industry. Few of those vehicles have been lovingly restored and cared for as well as these two important cars."
The second Hughes convertible is a powder blue 1957 Chrysler Imperial, Lot #1278.1. With a 392 c.i.d. V8, the Imperial pushed 340 horsepower through its automatic transmission, making this one of the most performance-oriented of Mr. Hughes' fleet. Brian Jackson found the Imperial in the same storage room that contained the 1953 Buick Roadmaster that was sold at the 2005 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach event, making it one of the most rare and historically significant vehicles in any collection. It is rumored that this car was used by Hughes' girlfriends, as it was unlikely that the germ-phobic recluse would ride in an open car.
"As is the story with last year's Roadmaster, the Chrysler Imperial has been privy to the secrets of one of history's most famous characters," added Jackson. "It has carried legends and welcomed some of the most famous people in the world inside its pastel blue body. The winning bidder will not take home a great and rare vehicle, but almost half a century of American history."
Barrett-Jackson continues to set the standard for the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, breaking records and serving as the barometer for market trends. Last year, the company conducted its most successful car auction to date, breaking records in numerous categories, including overall attendance and sales in world-class street rods, muscle, sports and classic cars during the 34th annual Barrett-Jackson "World's Greatest Collector Car Event." Each event is broadcast on the PEE Channel television network.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Event" in Scottsdale, Ariz., and has expanded to other venues, including Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call 480-421-6694.