Auburn, IN – The 37th Annual Kruse International Auburn Fall Collector Car Auction held over the weekend between August 30 and September 4, drew over 175,000 people – “the biggest year for attendance ever,” and brought in just over $25 million.
While the promise of seeing cars like Ernest Hemingway’s Rolls-Royce, and other tasty automotive treats drew the crowds this event is like an old fashioned State Fair complete with rides along a midway, cotton candy, celebrity book signings with crowd pleasers such as recording artist Jimmy Velvet, Saturday night fireworks and concerts by Spike and the Bulldogs.
Beneath all of this is an auction with a heritage. It’s the one that launched the classic car auction profession when an Auburn local, Russell Wayne Kruse, used his auctioneering skills to help raise money for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Auburn, a town made famous by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company needed a boost and the auction’s success helped to put it back on the map. It also showed Kruse that selling classic cars was an idea whose time had come.
Kruse International was soon selling exotic cars like Greta Garbo’s 1933 Duesenberg, a Mercedes-Benz owned by Hermann Goring, the 1956 Bentley driven by John Lennon and cars that once belonged to the Pope and Al Capone. His business just took off.
This was the first year for the auction after Russell died this Spring. He’d always started things off by singing “Back Home in Indiana,” so his son Dean decided to play a video with Russell singing his signature song. “It was a nice video and Dean says he will play it every year,” said Kruse spokesperson, Sarah Daley.
One of the automotive highlights of the Kruse International Auction was the 1933 Rolls-Royce originally purchased by Ernest Hemingway. Some of Hemingway’s most famous works were composed while he traveled the United States in this classic. The rich history of this car also included secondary ownership by Barbara Hutton, the Woolworth heiress. During the time Hemingway toured the United States in this car he wrote and published “A Farewell to Arms,” “The Fifth Column and the First Forty-Nine Stories” and “Death in the Afternoon.” His well preserved car sold for $170,000.
Here are some of the other cars that turned heads and opened wallets. Remember sales prices don’t include an 8% buyer’s premium.
Maroon 1932 Duesenberg, J340 Murphy Convertible Coupe with a 142 1/2in. wheel base, body by Murphy Coach Builders. The car has not been re-bodied, it is the original construction, aluminum/wood. With the original numbers, # 2364 Firewall, Frame #2364 and Murphy #838. The car was black originally, is now Maroon and Cranberry. Sell price: $1,000,000.00
1954 Chevrolet "Star Spangled Collection" Collection of 3 1954 "Star Spangled Collection - First Generation 1954 Corvettes: Red, White, and Blue. These three first generations Corvettes were sold as one lot. (1) 1954 Corvette, Blue Flame Six, powerglide. (2) Sportsman Red with Red interior. One of only 100 produced. Body-off in show. The Lot went for $327,500.00
1937 Cord Sportman Cabriolet, Dark Blue YFC2138. "ACD Certified,” 8 years restoration under the guidance of a senior ACD member with Pebble Beach accomplishments. If you always wanted to show at Pebble Beach this car is ready and eligible. Triple blues in finish and interior “stunning” in presentation. Sold for, $265,000.00
1995 Mercedes-Benz Lotec C-1000, Two Door Race Car V-8 Silver. One of the fastest cars in the world, with a top speed of 252 mph, the Mercedes Benz Lotec C1000 was created to be the fastest individually owned car in the world by a private party commission. The car is unique in the world, priced at more than two million it sold for, $227,500.00.
1957 Dual Ghia Convertible, White 90. An extraordinaly automobile. Dual Ghia number 111 was built to the special order of a Mrs. Thomas Darlington. The car has undergone a complete ground up restoration and is simply stunning. Finished in polar white with a lavish burnt orange and grey leather. This car is just right for getting your inner Rat Pack motor running. It could have been yours for only, $227,500.
1930 Cadillac V 16 Imperial Sedan, Seven Passenger, Maroon, Imperial Limousine. It features a V-16 Engine, 3 Speed Manual Transmission, Dual Side Mount Spares, Rare Wood Military Wheels. Has a copy of original order. VIN: #5702518 Motor: #5702518 Model: #4375 Body: #298 “It’s the ultimate collectors car.” This, “regal” ride is now parked in a new garage for $200,000.
1931 Cord L-29 100 -- A superbly restored "Full Classic" that was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours D’elegance when the restoration was first completed. A great running and driving car, still quite fresh and a car that is very competitive as a show car. The L-29 is the first production front wheel drive car in America. It was the technology and styling leader just before the stock market took its tumble in 1929. This car for high-rollers set back its new owners at $175,000.
1966 Batmobile TV car. Holy smoke, why is Bruce Wayne selling his car? Not to worry, I’m sure the Caped Crusader has a new ride. This car from the campy 60s series was built under the authorization and endorsement of George Barris (the Kustomizer to the stars) through his contractor Robert Butts. This Batmobile is in better condition than some of the other Batmobiles used in the shows that have been sold. The television Batmobiles are recognized around the world. This iconic motorized memora-wheelia from the glory days of boomer TV is in a new Bat Cave ready to fight evil-doers. What price fame? $175,000.
1929 Cadillac Dual Cowl Series 341-B, Four-Door Sport Phaeton, V8 Y322512 Series 341-B. This 100-point car is a rare, low production sport phaeton that has a meticulous authentic restoration that took seven years to complete. All woodwork was replaced to original specifications and every mechanical part was restored. It’s rated as an AACA Senior 1. A classic like this from the era when Cadillac was “The Standard of the World,” will always be appreciated and command top dollar. It went for $165,000.
This is a fun event even if you can’t afford one of the cars. It’s always nice to dream.
For a complete rundown on this and other Kruse Auctions, log on to www.Kruse.com or call Kruse International at 800-968-4444.
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