Lessons about 63 SWC from TV

[Stuart F.]

Certain tv automobile shows are better than others. Last evening was a new episode of "Legedary Motorcars" on the Vilocity channel which I rarely watch because of the late hour (for me) that it comes on. They started off buying a one owner 63 SWC that was mostly original with the exception of huge bumper guards and special radio with whip antenna. It had leather interior that looked well worn on my tv set, and was equipped with a 340 hp engine and 4 speed. The son of the company owner (Peter Kluut?) was sent to test drive it after they already bought it for a mere $110k. The son liked the way it drove and said he favored the 340hp as it was much smoother than the Fuelie which was tempermental due to the solid lifter cam, where as the 340 had a Carter carburetor and hydraulic lifter cam. I thought to myself; "ok, the editor missed that one or all these years I've been adjusting my lifters incorrectly". They took the car directly to auction at Pebble Beach and it sold for $115k and discussed if maybe they could have done better if they tried to return it to stock (ya think?!). Then they had a buyer show up at the show room interested in another SWC that they had with a 340hp and an older restoration. They sold that one right away for a mere $145k noting that the 63's were selling better than the other c-2's.

I'm not sure if I'm out of touch or what, but my observation of BJ and Mecum auctions don't seem to square with their thinking. At first I thought they were talking Canadian dollars as the program originates in Cannada, but Iguess not.

There is reality tv and then there is reality.

STu Fox

[Michael J.]

[Frank D.]

Re: Lessons about 63 SWC from TV

I believe I was watching some Disney show about wizards with my grand daughter on another channel when that episode aired.
Both shows were fantasies....

[Stuart F.]

Re: Lessons about 63 SWC from TV

AMEN

Stu Fox

[Bill M.]

Re: Lessons about 63 SWC from TV

My friend Bob is thinking of selling his very rare factory unstamped 340 hp coupe maybe PK can sell it for him!

[Frank D.]

Re: Lessons about 63 SWC from TV

My friend Bob is thinking of selling his very rare factory unstamped 340 hp coupe maybe PK can sell it for him!

My 93% Regional Second Flight red/red, base motor split window is for sale at $145K USD all day long...
I'll even include free delivery in the lower '48...

[David R.]

Re: Lessons about 63 SWC from TV

The only TV car show I actually like is Wheeler Dealers . . . I wouldn't hesitate to let Edd China work on my '62, the man knows his was around so many different cars and systems. Most of the other shows are either just commercials for the firm that's featured, or a bunch of scraggly-bearded, black T-shirted brainless idiots running around yelling "Woooo!". No thanks. It does get frustrating to listen to these mouth-breathers spout off on automotive history, which they invariably get wrong. For heaven's sake, read a book once in a while, guys, you might actually learn something. Add into that their egos as big as all outdoors, and you have plenty of reasons to watch something else.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Lessons about 63 SWC from TV

I like the older gent on "Car Fix". So far, his iterations about older Vettes and Chevies has been spot on. A few days ago I watched him change a fuel pump on a Chevy V8 and he correctly explained that the holes on the front of the block (one of which he used a bolt to hold the push rod) were originally used for the early 4 point mounting brackets in Chevy passenger cars. Few of the screw balls I have watched (even some NCRS folks) don't know that. Also, many folks will tell you that you must have a short bolt in that hole to keep engine oil from leaking out. I can tell you that a number of my old V8 powered cars I never had any bolt in that hole. The amount of oil that comes down the fuel pump push rod is barely enough to lubricate it, say nothing about some leaking out or seeping out that bolt hole.

Other than that, I like to watch the shows where the guys are all having fun, not the ones where they are all so serious about completion schedules and are arguing all the time. Those I turn off.

Stu Fox