Three Chevrolets stolen from Monterey auctions | Hemmings Daily
Despite the security one would expect where six-, seven- and eight-figure cars gathered for the weekend, three Chevrolets were reported stolen from the recent Monterey auctions, an event that California Highway Patrol spokesman Robert Lehman called “pretty rare,” given that he couldn’t recall any other collector car thefts during Monterey weekends past.
Taken from a fenced and secured area at Russo and Steele’s auction in Monterey was a red 1961 Impala SS 409 convertible wearing Idaho license plates reading “SS409.” Described by the seller as “the only all-correct, matching numbers example known to exist,” the four-speed manual transmission car had recently undergone a rotisserie restoration, and was reportedly valued by the owner at $220,000. Offered for sale on Friday, August 16, the rare and desirable convertible failed to meet its undisclosed reserve price, and was taken from the secured lot some time after crossing the stage around 8:45 p.m.
Two Midwestern automotive dealers suffered the loss of cars consigned to Mecum’s Monterey auction, located on the grounds of the Del Monte golf course in Monterey. On Saturday, August 17, a white 1961 Chevrolet Impala restomod, belonging to World of Wheels in Des Moines, Iowa, was reported stolen during the night. The car featured a recent restoration, and was fitted with a modified 383-cu.in. V-8 crate engine from Summit Racing, a TCI 400 transmission, a four-core radiator, new interior and exterior trim and a set of polished American Racing wheels. The car’s value was undisclosed, but a high bid of $50,000 failed to meet the car’s reserve price.
Reported missing from the Mecum lot on Sunday morning, August 18, was a pale yellow one-owner 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, said to be in unrestored condition after 42 years in storage. Though the exterior had benefited from a single respray in the original factory colors, the car’s interior was said to be all-original. Previously part of the Richard Hubbard Collection, the car was being offered for sale by Sam Pierce Chevrolet in Muncie, Indiana. Reportedly valued at $65,000, the car received a high bid of $50,000 when it crossed the block on Friday, August 16, but also failed to meet the reserve price.
All three vehicles were likely targeted for the value of their parts, and the ease of which they can be sold to unsuspecting hobbyists. While far more expensive cars were plentiful at both auctions, parting out a 1949 Ferrari 166 Inter Berlinetta Coupe or a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder would prove both risky and challenging, while parts from the missing Chevrolets can be applied to a far wider range of vehicles. Those with information on the thefts should contact the Monterey office of the California Highway Patrol at 831-796-2100
The 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 convertible stolen from Russo and Steele. Image courtesy Russo and Steele.
The 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS restomod convertible stolen from Mecum. Photo courtesy Mecum Auctions.
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air stolen from Mecum. Photo courtesy Mecum Auctions.