1961 Ol’ Yaller Mk VII

Offered by RM Sotheby’s | Monterey, California | August 17-19, 2023

Photo Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Max Balchowsky was a race car driver (and stunt driver) who built a series of sports racing specials in the 1950s and ’60s. Nine cars were built – all called Old Yeller or Ol’ Yaller. This one was the 7th.

It was produced by Balchowsky in 1961, his most prolific year in which four Yallers were constructed. This one was sold new to Don Kirby in New York and subsequently raced in SCCA events. It was delivered new with a Devin body and was fitted with 327ci Chevy V8.

A restoration was carried out in 2009, and it retains that 5.4-liter motor. It’s one of three Yallers intended for Chevrolet power and is said to be one of just a few still set up for road use (though it has history on classic road rallies too). The pre-sale estimate here is $175,000-$225,000. Click here for more info.

Update: Sold $307,500.

1953 Jaguar Mk VII Cabriolet Prototype by Beutler

Offered by Artcurial | Le Mans, France | July 5, 2014

Photo – Artcurial

The Jaguar Mk VII wasn’t an exciting car. It shared a similar style to the Bentleys and Rolls-Royces of the era – or really, any large British sedan. It was built between 1950 and 1956 as four-door sedan only. And if that’s the case, then what do we have here?

A two-door version, of course, built as a stylish (for the era, although you could argue “plain” today) by Swiss coachbuilder Beutler. It features an all-aluminium body around the base Mk VII mecahnicals: a 3.4-liter straight-six making 160 horsepower. The car was shown initially at the Geneva Motor Show before being packed away back at Jag headquarters and eventually sold and registered in 1964.

The car retains its original engine, which as been refurbished, and the interior has been “renovated.” The catalog description does not mention a “restoration” anywhere. At any rate, this is a one-of-a-kind Jaguar that can be yours for between $82,000-$110,000. Click here for more info and here for more from Artcurial in Le Mans.

Update: Sold $217,162.