SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. ‒ August 18, 2021 – Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, will auction several prized vehicles from John Staluppi’s famous Cars of Dreams Museum during the inaugural Houston Auction at the NRG Center, September 16-18. Crossing the auction block with No Reserve, these select vehicles, including a 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible (Lot #703) and a 1951 Mercury Custom Coupe (Lot #451), will provide an excellent opportunity for bidders to own a collector car from a notable private collection.

“One of the foremost collectors in the industry, John Staluppi has long been an important part of the Barrett-Jackson family,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “John’s Cars of Dreams Museum is exceptional, featuring some of the finest examples of collector cars. These seven vehicles he is bringing to our inaugural Houston Auction have been carefully selected for this event, and we’re honored to have John and a portion of his collection be a part of our first-ever auction in the state of Texas.”

The 1953 Buick Skylark (Lot #703) being auctioned from the Cars of Dreams Museum was a past AACA Senior National First Prize Winner. One of just 1,640 Skylark convertibles sold in 1953, this beautifully restored vehicle is powered by the famed 322ci “Nailhead” V8 engine backed by an automatic transmission.

Staluppi’s 1951 Mercury Custom Coupe (Lot #451) is affectionately known as “Bad Boy.” Built on a GM A-body chassis, this fully customized vehicle has been chopped, channeled and dropped. It features a 1954 DeSoto grille as well as frenched headlamps and taillamps from a 1954 Mercury. Under the hood resides a 6.2-liter V8 LS3 engine paired to a 4L70E automatic transmission and a Ford 9-inch rear end. The exterior is finished in a Red-Orange paint with Candy Apple flames and a custom two-tone tuck-and-roll interior in Red-Orange and off-white.

“We’re thrilled to have these exceptional vehicles of John’s be a part of our Houston Auction,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Crossing the auction block with No Reserve, each of these collectibles serve as an amazing opportunity for our bidders to own an automobile that was included in one of the top collections in the world.”

Fit for the Lone Star State, also headed to Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural Houston Auction from the Cars of Dreams Museum is a 1969 Ford Bronco Custom Pickup (Lot #702). This factory half-cab 4×4 custom has undergone a comprehensive frame-off restoration and is powered by Ford’s famed Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine backed by a 6R80 automatic transmission. Both front and rear differentials feature ARB Air Locker setups, and this Bronco is equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes and Bilstein shocks. The interior features black leather seats and a long list of modern amenities, including a Vintage Air system, LCD radio with backup camera and Bluetooth.

Additional Cars of Dreams collector vehicles crossing the auction block in Houston with No Reserve include:

• 1936 Ford Phaeton Custom Convertible (Lot #701) – A stunning all-steel body hot rod, this 1936 Phaeton is powered by a 350ci LT4 V8 engine mated to a 700R4 automatic transmission. Designed and built by Grumpy’s Hot Rod Shop, this fully customized Ford also features Boyd Coddington wheels, power windows and an electric hideaway license plate.
• 1938 Diamond T Custom Pickup (Lot #700) – Sitting atop a 2006 General Motors Chassis, this 1938 Diamond T is a perfect Resto-Mod for Texas. The front body is sheet metal and features the original, unchopped dimensions. The entirety of the bed is custom-made and finished in Black Cherry. This vehicle is powered by a fuel-injected GM 8.1-liter V8 engine backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission.
• 1966 Chevrolet C10 Custom Pickup (Lot #452) – Completed in 2018, this custom C10 was built to be a driver. Powered by a 5.7-liter V8 LS engine and backed by a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission, this pickup also features a CPP suspension, CPP disc brakes and Salt Flat wheels wrapped in red line low-profile tires.
• 1976 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45 Pickup (Lot #699) – This FJ45 received a no-expense-spared, nut-and-bolt restoration and has only 1,200 miles since its completion. Powered by a 4.2-liter 6-cylinder engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, this extraordinary vehicle rides on a two-inch lift with 20-inch Hardrock Gunner wheels wrapped in 33-inch tires.

Consignments for the Barrett-Jackson Inaugural Houston Auction are open and those interested may consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid for the Houston Auction may do so here.

To purchase tickets to the event, click here, and for hotel accommodations click here. Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube #BarrettJackson.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, is the leader in collector car and automotive lifestyle events, which include authentic automobilia auctions and the sale of private collections. The company produces live auctions across the country, as well as Online Only auctions. With broadcast partners FYI and HISTORY, Barrett-Jackson will feature live television coverage in 2021, as well as all the cars, all the time via the live stream on Barrett-Jackson.com. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com, or call 480-421-6694.

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