Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 11-27-2013
HAPPY THANKSGIVING -
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone across the miles.
Our office will be closed Thursday and Friday (the day following Thanksgiving.)
There may also be some delays in shipping, since UPS is closed Thursday and Friday and USPS will be closed Thursday.
THE ASC CONNECTION -
As many of you know, ASC did the conversions for Buick, making the 547 GNXs.
Here are few interesting facts about ASC, you may not realize.
Most of you probably refer to it as the American Sunroof Corporation. In truth, the company operated under three different companies, all playing off the same three letters - ASC Incorporated.
One was American Sunroof Company, which covered sunroof systems and component supply programs. Another was Automobile Specialty Company, which covered Specialty Vehicle programs (such as the GNX project). There was also Aeromotive Systems Company, which covered advanced transportation design and composite technology. Many of us are probably not familiar with this last company. The company started making sunroofs for the American cars back in the 1960s.
If I had to guess, I would say ASC was probably the major company making sunroofs back in the day. As we listed above, they did expand into other fields and the GNX is one prime example. This was probably done under their Specialty Vehicle division. They also did a limited number of convertibles during the 1980s for various car makers.
Our son Darrell had a mid-1980s Camaro convertible years ago that ASC converted for GM. I can remember calling ASC and they actually sent me a letter stating how many Camaro convertibles they made for GM that year.
Like car manufacturers, ASC printed various brochures on their product line and accomplishments. I was lucky years ago to pick up one that was printed in 1988, which shows the GNX. In the case of some brochures, the facts sometimes change after a brochure is printed. In the wording about the GNX project, it gives the production count of 500, which as you know is incorrect.
PHOTO 1 - The top photo shows the cover of this ASC 1988 brochure. Although not visible, the ASC logo is embossed in the top right corner. The lower photo shows a car we all recognize, the GNX. The heading reads, "Modified Class."
PHOTO 2 - The top photo shows a unique Firebird called the Firebird "Suntour." According to the brief description, it featured a full width glass spoiler sunroof fold away side mirrors, distinctive rear spoiler, rear fascia with integral dual oval exhaust outlets. I don’t believe this car saw any real production, but it would appear that at least a prototype was done and probably present to Pontiac to consider. A sunroof in a F-body car I would think would not be easy to accomplish with space being very limited. Even the design of the wheels looks unique on this car. The lower photo shows the ASC/McLaren, which was a limited edition convertible. It was done in the mid 1980s as well. This car also has its following.
It was years ago that I actually got a tour of the ASC headquarters by Rick Hunt. At the time, they were working on making the Mitsubishi 3000GT have a retractable hardtop, similar to what you see Mercedes has on their 230 and 320 SLK models. Basically, the best of both worlds - a metal roof and a convertible in the summer time. Ford did it for a few years beginning with their 1957 model.
Another car that ASC did for GM actually Oldsmobile is one many of you may not be aware of. The project was also done around the same time as the Buick GNX project. I am referring to the Oldsmobile Touring Sedan. It was based on the 98 model. I know this for a fact, since years ago I bought one and sold it. You can probably Google it to learn more about it. It was a well-optioned Oldsmobile sedan back in 1987. I think ASC did that project for 2-3 years at the most. I think they only came fully equipped.
If I recall, only a few colors were offered. I have no idea as to how many were made. You seldom see them on the road today. I remember the car did have the ASC sticker on the inside driver's side door jamb.
So, in quick review, you now know a little more ASC projects during the 1980s, which now seems like ancient history.
1976 BUICK PACE CAR -
In our 10-30-2013 Inner Circle Photo 3 we showed an earlier Buick Pace car that was at the recent GS Nationals in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
PHOTO 3 - From my private collection, here is a factory photo showing the 1976 Buick Pace car. Pace cars, regardless of car model, can be very difficult to find parts. This is especially true, if you take on the challenge to restore one. Many parts can be unique to those cars and, in some cases, can vary from car to car. Anytime a car or truck has been produced in small numbers, its a high risk you can that you can find everything you need to make it like new again. Even with the GNX model, Richard Clark has found subtle differences between other GNXs. In some cases, you can see how crude some modifications were made.
Like anything else, it's all about costs and production. As a consumer, you may not see it as a big deal one on one, but multiply it and it's a huge difference. More on this later.
1955-1956-1957 CHEVROLET BANNER -
A while ago in a previous Inner Circle we showed this artwork my Dad had commissioned back in 1981-1982 by R. Von Sauers.
My Dad was never in the automotive business, so he never really did much with this artwork.
Russ Von Sauers is a well-known artist in the automotive field. He did the cover artwork for the book “The Hot One,” which was first published in 1977. It's one of the earliest hardbound books covering the 1955-1956-1957 Chevrolet models. No matter what your preference is in collectible cars, the three-year span of those Chevrolet models has always had a huge appeal and following. The reproduction of parts for those three model years is nothing short of incredible. They are even making complete bodies for some of the models.
I remember in high school one of my good friends had a gorgeous 1955 Chevrolet. Back in the mid-1960s, they could be had at very reasonable prices. Years later we owned a 1957 convertible for a short period of time.
Since I had this original artwork, we have been wanting to get it marketed in some form that would be could be licensed by GM. We were able to do this with the company that makes our GM licensed banners.
We now have this Chevy artwork available in two different sizes: 24" x 48" and 18" x 36" on a white banner.
PHOTO 4 - The top photo shows the actual banner. The one pictured is the 24" x 48" version. The 18" x 36" only has the eyelets in the four corners.
If you want one, you must call our office as they are not on our website yet. The smaller one would be $34.95 and the larger one would be $49.95 plus shipping.
We will have them in time to ship before Christmas. We are making it available to all the major Chevrolet mail-order companies as well.
The lower photo shows the 1957 Chevrolet convertible we owned back around 1968-1970.
WEBUYANYCAR.COM -
Webuyanycar.com advertises on various websites and I have seen their ads on TV as well.
You can go to their website and type in information on your car and within seconds they come up with a price they will pay you for your car. This price is not an exact science of course, until you bring your car in for them to examine. The actual amount can be more or less.
Just for kicks I typed in 3 vehicles, two of which I own and one that I do not own. I typed in our personal 1987 Turbo-T with 80,000 miles and then I did a made up a car - a 1987 Grand National with the same miles as our Turbo-T has to get a comparison.
The difference in value was enormous! The 1987 Turbo-T came out to be worth $655 in their figures and the Grand National came back being worth $4790.
The other car I ran by them on their website was our 2002 Pontiac GT coupe, which has 65,000 miles on it. They came back with a value of $2830 for the Pontiac GT Coupe. Again, short of its real value as this car is every bit as mint as our Turbo-T.
Obviously, if I went to one of their locations, these figures would be adjusted once they saw how nice my cars are. Frankly, though I think it would be a major jump for them to even come close to approaching the true value of my Turbo-T from the $655 they originally stated! Strictly my opinion but I believe the real number for our Turbo-T would be between $15 and $17 grand. My Pontiac GT is equally as nice and I would put its value close to $5500. The questions on their website are very vague in determining their value.
I am sure there are other websites that do the same thing that you can try in your area. They are obviously not in tune with the collectible car market values and are probably geared more for the every day type of car used for getting from point A to B.
MAGNA CLUB END OF THE YEAR DINNER -
I have been invited to Magna group's annual end-of-the-year banquet. It is being held at McGlynns Pub at 108 People’s Plaza in Newark, Delaware. The date is December 7th from noon until 4 pm. The price is $30 a head, which covers the meal. Seating is limited to 40 people. To sign up and for more info, go to their website - www.magnabuick.com
Here is the link for registration for the MAGNA meet.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2013-magna-finale-tickets-9190383685
You can click that link and buy as many tickets as you want to attend the event. Remember, seating is limited!
I am one of the guest speakers and will be bringing items for door prizes. I will share some trivia with the audience and talk about some of the upcoming projects that are in the works.
If you plan to attend and have items to trade or sell me, you are welcome to bring them as I may be a buyer. It may be best to email me in advance - [email protected]
TIME IS RUNNING OUT -
Only a few weeks remain to get in on our Christmas Specials.
One of the popular items has been the car cover special.
Be sure to check out our Christmas Specials, as each special caters around related items. One of the specials features our headlight upgrade kit for the older cars that have the four round 5-3/4" round headlights.
Here is a link to the Christmas Specials on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=272
THE LAMBRECHT CHEVROLET AUCTION -
The Lambrecht Chevrolet Auction was held this past September. Many of you probably saw articles about it. Lambrecht was a small Chevrolet dealership located in the small town of Pierce, Nebraska for 50 years. They closed their doors in 1996.
During the 50 years, roughly 500 cars that the owners did not sell or couldn't sell simply sat. Some were trade-ins and some were new unsold cars. Most of them sat in a field outside of town.
Upwards of 15,000 people came to this auction, since it featured so many low-mileage Chevrolets. The top selling vehicle was a 1958 Chevrolet Cameo truck with 1.3 miles on odometer sold for $140,000. A 1978 Corvette Indy Pace car with 4 miles on it sold for $80,000, as did a 1958 Chevrolet Apache 31 series truck with 5 miles on it. These were the few highlights of the auction. When it was all said and done, sales totaled around $2.8 million in bids, with the top ten cars accounting for $676,00 of the total amount. Even wooden yardsticks with the Lambecht name on them were bringing $200 each! I give the Lambechts credit for not throwing them out in the trash in 1996 when they closed their doors!
In looking at the facts, it's a shame a decision to sell off the 500-plus cars was not made back in 1996 when they closed up shop. Another 17 years of weather exposure certainly didn’t improve the condition of the vehicles that were stored outside. Nebraska winters are not very mild.
An unusual auction for sure with so many low mileage Chevrolet cars and trucks. Also one auction where hype was at a high pitch.
From the articles I have read on the auction, it doesn’t appear to have had many bargains. While many Pace Cars are valuable, the 1978 Corvette is one that never has gained much value. One reason is so many of them have such few miles on them. Also the late 1970s was a low point for U.S. car manufacturers in the horsepower department.
UPDATE ON POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS -
Other Buick vendors should start to get their rebuilt brake units from us next week as we strive to catch up on the backlog.
CARDONE REPRODUCTION BRAKE BOWLS -
As I write this, it appears we still will NOT have new Cardone brake bowls for two more weeks. These delays are beyond my control, and we are in constant contact with Cardone on this matter.
NEW HURST PRODUCT -
HURST LICENSED -
“HURST EQUIPPED” FENDER COVER
The “HURST EQUIPPED” logo is silk screen in white and red on a 34” x 22” black fender cover. It is made from a non-slip cushioned material, so it will never slide off the fender.
Because the surface is non-slip, it holds your tools in place. It is impervious to automotive fluids, such as motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc.
It is made in the U.S.A. by Fender Gripper®, a division of SSnake-Oyl™, and is licensed by Hurst Performance.
This recognizable logo is sure to appeal to any owner of a muscle car with a Hurst shifter or Hurst wheels or to any automotive Hurst enthusiast from that vintage era.
The legendary Hurst name and heritage represents the most popular automotive aftermarket company associated with the American muscle cars.
These fender covers are a must-have addition to your garage items, and can also be stored in the trunk in case you need to protect the fenders while away from the garage.
Fender cover also makes a unique gift for any Hurst enthusiast or mechanic.
H2024 - Hurst Licensed -
“HURST EQUIPPED” Fender Cover - $22.95
H2025 - Hurst Licensed -
TWO “HURST EQUIPPED” Fender Covers (2) - $40 / pair
Here is a link to this Hurst Equipped Fender Cover on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=hurst+equipped&submit_button=
DISCONTINUED PART BY US -
Part #7452, 1978-1987 Turbo Regal - Universal Fit Clear Plastic Car Dust Cover - $18.95 - is being discontinued. We have only 1 left. We are selling our remaining stock for $15 each. You must contact our office - 215-766-1611 to buy a cover if you want either of the remaining 1.
Here is a link to this Car Cover on our website, so you can see the pictures and details:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44013/UNIVERSAL+FIT+CLEAR+PLASTIC+CAR+DUST+COVER+%23+7452.html
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
GM LICENSED -
“BUICK MOTORSPORTS” FENDER COVER
The “BUICK MOTORSPORTS” logo is silk screen in white, red and yellow on a 34" x 22" black fender cover. It is made from a non-slip cushioned material, so it won’t slide off the fender.
Because the surface is non-slip, it holds your tools in place. It is impervious to automotive fluids, such as motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc.
It is made in the U.S.A. by Fender Gripper®, a division of SSnake-Oyl™, and is licensed by GM.
This recognizable logo is sure to appeal to any Buick owner. We offer it individually Part #7647 or as a pair Part #7648.
These fender covers are a must-have addition to your garage items, and can also be stored in the trunk in case you need to protect the fenders while away from the garage.
Our photos show the fender cover flat, and as it appears folded in half.
This fender cover also makes a unique gift for any Buick enthusiast or mechanic.
7547 - GM Licensed -
“BUICK MOTORSPORTS” Fender Cover - $22.95
7548 - GM Licensed -
TWO “BUICK MOTORSPORTS” Fender Covers (2) - $40 / pair
Here is the link to this Fender Cover on our website
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7547&submit_button=
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction STAINLESS STEEL 2-PIECE CROSSOVER PIPE
This 1986-1987 Turbo Regal crossover pipe is a two-piece design made in 14-gauge 409 stainless steel. Stainless steel is the best material to use for the exhaust, since it can tolerate high temperatures.
It is mandrel bent and is a true 2-1/2" diameter throughout. The original crossover pipe necked down slightly at one end.
This two-piece crossover pipe comes with new flanges.
The fit is perfect to the application.
Many of the original crossover pipes have gotten dented over the years, so this is a good time for replacement.
NOTE - We recommend this pipe be installed by a qualified mechanic.
An excellent replacement item for any exterior restoration.
7545 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Stainless Steel 2-Piece Crossover Pipe - $195
Here is the link to this Crossover Pipe our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44127/Reproduction+STAINLESS+STEEL+2-PIECE+CROSSOVER%E2%80%88PIPE+%237545.html
LOOKING FOR IDEAS -
If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -
Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected].
Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.
NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE - We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.
If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected].
ABOUT OUR EMAILS -
Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - [email protected] - I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again. Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or may not remember who requested the item.
IN CLOSING - Happy Thanksgiving to all, including our customers to the north that don’t celebrate that holiday.
Remember, our office will be closed Thursday and Friday (the day following Thanksgiving.)
There may also be some delays in shipping since UPS and USPS will be closed some days.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING -
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone across the miles.
Our office will be closed Thursday and Friday (the day following Thanksgiving.)
There may also be some delays in shipping, since UPS is closed Thursday and Friday and USPS will be closed Thursday.
THE ASC CONNECTION -
As many of you know, ASC did the conversions for Buick, making the 547 GNXs.
Here are few interesting facts about ASC, you may not realize.
Most of you probably refer to it as the American Sunroof Corporation. In truth, the company operated under three different companies, all playing off the same three letters - ASC Incorporated.
One was American Sunroof Company, which covered sunroof systems and component supply programs. Another was Automobile Specialty Company, which covered Specialty Vehicle programs (such as the GNX project). There was also Aeromotive Systems Company, which covered advanced transportation design and composite technology. Many of us are probably not familiar with this last company. The company started making sunroofs for the American cars back in the 1960s.
If I had to guess, I would say ASC was probably the major company making sunroofs back in the day. As we listed above, they did expand into other fields and the GNX is one prime example. This was probably done under their Specialty Vehicle division. They also did a limited number of convertibles during the 1980s for various car makers.
Our son Darrell had a mid-1980s Camaro convertible years ago that ASC converted for GM. I can remember calling ASC and they actually sent me a letter stating how many Camaro convertibles they made for GM that year.
Like car manufacturers, ASC printed various brochures on their product line and accomplishments. I was lucky years ago to pick up one that was printed in 1988, which shows the GNX. In the case of some brochures, the facts sometimes change after a brochure is printed. In the wording about the GNX project, it gives the production count of 500, which as you know is incorrect.
PHOTO 1 - The top photo shows the cover of this ASC 1988 brochure. Although not visible, the ASC logo is embossed in the top right corner. The lower photo shows a car we all recognize, the GNX. The heading reads, "Modified Class."
PHOTO 2 - The top photo shows a unique Firebird called the Firebird "Suntour." According to the brief description, it featured a full width glass spoiler sunroof fold away side mirrors, distinctive rear spoiler, rear fascia with integral dual oval exhaust outlets. I don’t believe this car saw any real production, but it would appear that at least a prototype was done and probably present to Pontiac to consider. A sunroof in a F-body car I would think would not be easy to accomplish with space being very limited. Even the design of the wheels looks unique on this car. The lower photo shows the ASC/McLaren, which was a limited edition convertible. It was done in the mid 1980s as well. This car also has its following.
It was years ago that I actually got a tour of the ASC headquarters by Rick Hunt. At the time, they were working on making the Mitsubishi 3000GT have a retractable hardtop, similar to what you see Mercedes has on their 230 and 320 SLK models. Basically, the best of both worlds - a metal roof and a convertible in the summer time. Ford did it for a few years beginning with their 1957 model.
Another car that ASC did for GM actually Oldsmobile is one many of you may not be aware of. The project was also done around the same time as the Buick GNX project. I am referring to the Oldsmobile Touring Sedan. It was based on the 98 model. I know this for a fact, since years ago I bought one and sold it. You can probably Google it to learn more about it. It was a well-optioned Oldsmobile sedan back in 1987. I think ASC did that project for 2-3 years at the most. I think they only came fully equipped.
If I recall, only a few colors were offered. I have no idea as to how many were made. You seldom see them on the road today. I remember the car did have the ASC sticker on the inside driver's side door jamb.
So, in quick review, you now know a little more ASC projects during the 1980s, which now seems like ancient history.
1976 BUICK PACE CAR -
In our 10-30-2013 Inner Circle Photo 3 we showed an earlier Buick Pace car that was at the recent GS Nationals in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
PHOTO 3 - From my private collection, here is a factory photo showing the 1976 Buick Pace car. Pace cars, regardless of car model, can be very difficult to find parts. This is especially true, if you take on the challenge to restore one. Many parts can be unique to those cars and, in some cases, can vary from car to car. Anytime a car or truck has been produced in small numbers, its a high risk you can that you can find everything you need to make it like new again. Even with the GNX model, Richard Clark has found subtle differences between other GNXs. In some cases, you can see how crude some modifications were made.
Like anything else, it's all about costs and production. As a consumer, you may not see it as a big deal one on one, but multiply it and it's a huge difference. More on this later.
1955-1956-1957 CHEVROLET BANNER -
A while ago in a previous Inner Circle we showed this artwork my Dad had commissioned back in 1981-1982 by R. Von Sauers.
My Dad was never in the automotive business, so he never really did much with this artwork.
Russ Von Sauers is a well-known artist in the automotive field. He did the cover artwork for the book “The Hot One,” which was first published in 1977. It's one of the earliest hardbound books covering the 1955-1956-1957 Chevrolet models. No matter what your preference is in collectible cars, the three-year span of those Chevrolet models has always had a huge appeal and following. The reproduction of parts for those three model years is nothing short of incredible. They are even making complete bodies for some of the models.
I remember in high school one of my good friends had a gorgeous 1955 Chevrolet. Back in the mid-1960s, they could be had at very reasonable prices. Years later we owned a 1957 convertible for a short period of time.
Since I had this original artwork, we have been wanting to get it marketed in some form that would be could be licensed by GM. We were able to do this with the company that makes our GM licensed banners.
We now have this Chevy artwork available in two different sizes: 24" x 48" and 18" x 36" on a white banner.
PHOTO 4 - The top photo shows the actual banner. The one pictured is the 24" x 48" version. The 18" x 36" only has the eyelets in the four corners.
If you want one, you must call our office as they are not on our website yet. The smaller one would be $34.95 and the larger one would be $49.95 plus shipping.
We will have them in time to ship before Christmas. We are making it available to all the major Chevrolet mail-order companies as well.
The lower photo shows the 1957 Chevrolet convertible we owned back around 1968-1970.
WEBUYANYCAR.COM -
Webuyanycar.com advertises on various websites and I have seen their ads on TV as well.
You can go to their website and type in information on your car and within seconds they come up with a price they will pay you for your car. This price is not an exact science of course, until you bring your car in for them to examine. The actual amount can be more or less.
Just for kicks I typed in 3 vehicles, two of which I own and one that I do not own. I typed in our personal 1987 Turbo-T with 80,000 miles and then I did a made up a car - a 1987 Grand National with the same miles as our Turbo-T has to get a comparison.
The difference in value was enormous! The 1987 Turbo-T came out to be worth $655 in their figures and the Grand National came back being worth $4790.
The other car I ran by them on their website was our 2002 Pontiac GT coupe, which has 65,000 miles on it. They came back with a value of $2830 for the Pontiac GT Coupe. Again, short of its real value as this car is every bit as mint as our Turbo-T.
Obviously, if I went to one of their locations, these figures would be adjusted once they saw how nice my cars are. Frankly, though I think it would be a major jump for them to even come close to approaching the true value of my Turbo-T from the $655 they originally stated! Strictly my opinion but I believe the real number for our Turbo-T would be between $15 and $17 grand. My Pontiac GT is equally as nice and I would put its value close to $5500. The questions on their website are very vague in determining their value.
I am sure there are other websites that do the same thing that you can try in your area. They are obviously not in tune with the collectible car market values and are probably geared more for the every day type of car used for getting from point A to B.
MAGNA CLUB END OF THE YEAR DINNER -
I have been invited to Magna group's annual end-of-the-year banquet. It is being held at McGlynns Pub at 108 People’s Plaza in Newark, Delaware. The date is December 7th from noon until 4 pm. The price is $30 a head, which covers the meal. Seating is limited to 40 people. To sign up and for more info, go to their website - www.magnabuick.com
Here is the link for registration for the MAGNA meet.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2013-magna-finale-tickets-9190383685
You can click that link and buy as many tickets as you want to attend the event. Remember, seating is limited!
I am one of the guest speakers and will be bringing items for door prizes. I will share some trivia with the audience and talk about some of the upcoming projects that are in the works.
If you plan to attend and have items to trade or sell me, you are welcome to bring them as I may be a buyer. It may be best to email me in advance - [email protected]
TIME IS RUNNING OUT -
Only a few weeks remain to get in on our Christmas Specials.
One of the popular items has been the car cover special.
Be sure to check out our Christmas Specials, as each special caters around related items. One of the specials features our headlight upgrade kit for the older cars that have the four round 5-3/4" round headlights.
Here is a link to the Christmas Specials on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=272
THE LAMBRECHT CHEVROLET AUCTION -
The Lambrecht Chevrolet Auction was held this past September. Many of you probably saw articles about it. Lambrecht was a small Chevrolet dealership located in the small town of Pierce, Nebraska for 50 years. They closed their doors in 1996.
During the 50 years, roughly 500 cars that the owners did not sell or couldn't sell simply sat. Some were trade-ins and some were new unsold cars. Most of them sat in a field outside of town.
Upwards of 15,000 people came to this auction, since it featured so many low-mileage Chevrolets. The top selling vehicle was a 1958 Chevrolet Cameo truck with 1.3 miles on odometer sold for $140,000. A 1978 Corvette Indy Pace car with 4 miles on it sold for $80,000, as did a 1958 Chevrolet Apache 31 series truck with 5 miles on it. These were the few highlights of the auction. When it was all said and done, sales totaled around $2.8 million in bids, with the top ten cars accounting for $676,00 of the total amount. Even wooden yardsticks with the Lambecht name on them were bringing $200 each! I give the Lambechts credit for not throwing them out in the trash in 1996 when they closed their doors!
In looking at the facts, it's a shame a decision to sell off the 500-plus cars was not made back in 1996 when they closed up shop. Another 17 years of weather exposure certainly didn’t improve the condition of the vehicles that were stored outside. Nebraska winters are not very mild.
An unusual auction for sure with so many low mileage Chevrolet cars and trucks. Also one auction where hype was at a high pitch.
From the articles I have read on the auction, it doesn’t appear to have had many bargains. While many Pace Cars are valuable, the 1978 Corvette is one that never has gained much value. One reason is so many of them have such few miles on them. Also the late 1970s was a low point for U.S. car manufacturers in the horsepower department.
UPDATE ON POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS -
Other Buick vendors should start to get their rebuilt brake units from us next week as we strive to catch up on the backlog.
CARDONE REPRODUCTION BRAKE BOWLS -
As I write this, it appears we still will NOT have new Cardone brake bowls for two more weeks. These delays are beyond my control, and we are in constant contact with Cardone on this matter.
NEW HURST PRODUCT -
HURST LICENSED -
“HURST EQUIPPED” FENDER COVER
The “HURST EQUIPPED” logo is silk screen in white and red on a 34” x 22” black fender cover. It is made from a non-slip cushioned material, so it will never slide off the fender.
Because the surface is non-slip, it holds your tools in place. It is impervious to automotive fluids, such as motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc.
It is made in the U.S.A. by Fender Gripper®, a division of SSnake-Oyl™, and is licensed by Hurst Performance.
This recognizable logo is sure to appeal to any owner of a muscle car with a Hurst shifter or Hurst wheels or to any automotive Hurst enthusiast from that vintage era.
The legendary Hurst name and heritage represents the most popular automotive aftermarket company associated with the American muscle cars.
These fender covers are a must-have addition to your garage items, and can also be stored in the trunk in case you need to protect the fenders while away from the garage.
Fender cover also makes a unique gift for any Hurst enthusiast or mechanic.
H2024 - Hurst Licensed -
“HURST EQUIPPED” Fender Cover - $22.95
H2025 - Hurst Licensed -
TWO “HURST EQUIPPED” Fender Covers (2) - $40 / pair
Here is a link to this Hurst Equipped Fender Cover on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=hurst+equipped&submit_button=
DISCONTINUED PART BY US -
Part #7452, 1978-1987 Turbo Regal - Universal Fit Clear Plastic Car Dust Cover - $18.95 - is being discontinued. We have only 1 left. We are selling our remaining stock for $15 each. You must contact our office - 215-766-1611 to buy a cover if you want either of the remaining 1.
Here is a link to this Car Cover on our website, so you can see the pictures and details:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44013/UNIVERSAL+FIT+CLEAR+PLASTIC+CAR+DUST+COVER+%23+7452.html
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
GM LICENSED -
“BUICK MOTORSPORTS” FENDER COVER
The “BUICK MOTORSPORTS” logo is silk screen in white, red and yellow on a 34" x 22" black fender cover. It is made from a non-slip cushioned material, so it won’t slide off the fender.
Because the surface is non-slip, it holds your tools in place. It is impervious to automotive fluids, such as motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc.
It is made in the U.S.A. by Fender Gripper®, a division of SSnake-Oyl™, and is licensed by GM.
This recognizable logo is sure to appeal to any Buick owner. We offer it individually Part #7647 or as a pair Part #7648.
These fender covers are a must-have addition to your garage items, and can also be stored in the trunk in case you need to protect the fenders while away from the garage.
Our photos show the fender cover flat, and as it appears folded in half.
This fender cover also makes a unique gift for any Buick enthusiast or mechanic.
7547 - GM Licensed -
“BUICK MOTORSPORTS” Fender Cover - $22.95
7548 - GM Licensed -
TWO “BUICK MOTORSPORTS” Fender Covers (2) - $40 / pair
Here is the link to this Fender Cover on our website
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7547&submit_button=
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction STAINLESS STEEL 2-PIECE CROSSOVER PIPE
This 1986-1987 Turbo Regal crossover pipe is a two-piece design made in 14-gauge 409 stainless steel. Stainless steel is the best material to use for the exhaust, since it can tolerate high temperatures.
It is mandrel bent and is a true 2-1/2" diameter throughout. The original crossover pipe necked down slightly at one end.
This two-piece crossover pipe comes with new flanges.
The fit is perfect to the application.
Many of the original crossover pipes have gotten dented over the years, so this is a good time for replacement.
NOTE - We recommend this pipe be installed by a qualified mechanic.
An excellent replacement item for any exterior restoration.
7545 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Stainless Steel 2-Piece Crossover Pipe - $195
Here is the link to this Crossover Pipe our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44127/Reproduction+STAINLESS+STEEL+2-PIECE+CROSSOVER%E2%80%88PIPE+%237545.html
LOOKING FOR IDEAS -
If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]
ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -
Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected].
Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.
NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE - We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.
If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected].
ABOUT OUR EMAILS -
Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - [email protected] - I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again. Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or may not remember who requested the item.
IN CLOSING - Happy Thanksgiving to all, including our customers to the north that don’t celebrate that holiday.
Remember, our office will be closed Thursday and Friday (the day following Thanksgiving.)
There may also be some delays in shipping since UPS and USPS will be closed some days.