VINTAGE: Completely Different At B-J

There?s always lots of variety at Barrett-Jackson auctions, which prides itself in having something for everybody. That would include those whose tastes run more toward the odd, the eclectic and the downright strange.

Here are some of the more unusual items that are crossing the block at Palm Beach (click on the lot number for photos and a full Barrett-Jackson catalog description):

Lot 741, 1995 Freightliner classic jet semi truck ? The king of the oddities at the Palm Beach auction has to be this drag-racing semi truck, powered by a General Electric J-79 jet engine from an F-104 Starfighter aircraft that produces 18,000 horsepower, according to the consigner. You?d be the star of the drag strip with this 7,500-pound tractor that runs the quarter mile in seven seconds at 225 mph. If that?s not entertaining enough, the truck also puts on a fire show with strobe lights and train horns. The drag truck comes as a package with three other lots that includes a transport truck, semi trailer and a 1998 G-4 Interceptor street-legal three-wheeled mini-car, which is an oddity unto itself.

Lot 393, 2003 Hummer H2 custom ? If your truck tastes run more along the show variety, here?s just the thing. This bulky Hummer has been decked out with the works: Lamborghini-style scissor doors, chrome push bar and side steps (among the many chrome accessories), 22-inch chrome wheels and five TVs with DVD.
An unlikely subject for a street rod, this 1947 Bentley Mark VI came out looking pretty great. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)
Lot 720, 1947 Bentley Mark VI custom sedan ? Why ask why? The real question: what does one do with a clapped-out old Bentley that?s missing its driveline and other critical bits? The answer: build it into a custom street machine with a Chevy performance V8, automatic transmission and 10-bolt rear; custom leather interior with all the trimmings; custom chassis with air suspension; 20-inch chrome wheels; and a totally lavish paint job. Definitely a head turner and pretty trick, though it would make the Bentley purists howl.

Lot 73, 1973 VW Thing Acapulco re-creation ? A kinder, gentler custom car can be found here, and possibly the perfect Thing for Palm Beach open-air cruising. Completely restored, this VW was enhanced with the blue-and-white-striped Acapulco package with removable doors and a surrey top.

Lot 404, 2007 Dodge Hemi Charger R/T limousine ? For the muscle-car guy who wants to make a grand entrance at the senior prom, this Charger has been custom built with a 140-inch wheelbase. Inside, there?s a wild carbon-fiber interior with a stainless-steel ceiling, fiber optics and snakeskin inserts, a gleaming bar and Level 3 stereo system.

Lot 72.1, 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen re-creation ? If you like early cars, how about the very earliest one, or at least a replica of it? This is a modern rendition of what?s regarded as the very first real automobile ever built, a trike powered by a single-cylinder water-cooled engine. But no, it?s not street legal.

Lot 320, 1959 Harley-Davidson Hummer ? Plenty of brawny Harleys have crossed the block at Barrett-Jackson, but not one of these little bikes. Very rare and nicely restored, this attractive Hummer (not related to the H2 listed above) is powered by a 125cc single-cylinder engine. Expect a gentle putt-putt rather than a Harley roar.

The Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach collector-car auction runs April 4-6 with daily coverage on SPEED and SPEED.com. For more information, see the Barrett-Jackson website.

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at

Source: http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/vintage-completely-different-at-b-j/

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