As a National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and outright baseball legend, Reggie Jackson is no stranger to understanding what constitutes legendary status. Besides housing a whole collection of awards and accolades, Jackson also owns a classic car collection rivaled by few others. It then comes as no surprise that his car collection is legendary in very many ways.
While his collection comprises mostly muscle cars, there is a whole variety of styles, including luxury cars as well. Admittedly, he has sold off a significant part of his collection in an auction, but even the temporary possession of these automobile legends is worth looking at. The auctioned collection doesn't just represent Jackson's refined taste, but the very best of the American muscle car scene from the '50s to the '70s.
Let's fantasize about some of the most iconic muscle cars in Jackson's collection, discussing what makes them significant heavyweights in the golden era of muscle cars.
1968 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro RS/SS
Jackson's '68 Yenko Camaro is more than just iconic, it is pure sexy.
The Yenko Camaro is basically a Camaro extensively modified by Don Yenko, to create an immensely powerful car, avoiding GM's engine restrictions on the Camaros, rivaling the best of the muscle car world of the time. Yenko swapped the massive 7L V8's from the Corvette's to create a performance beast producing around 450HP. Jackson's Yenko Camaro is one of only 64 made, and 1 of only 11 with the SS/RS styling, making it incredibly rare.
Jackson's Yenko Camaro has been completely restored, ensuring that it is faithful to the original legend. From the Munchie 4-speed manual transmission, original Yenko badge, and BE 12-bolt Positraction rear-end, this car has all the original features fully functioning, making it an automotive legend in perfect condition.
The value of such a car is immense in both a historical and financial sense, proven by the Mecum auction, at which this car sold for $285K.
1965/66/67 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Continuing with Chevrolets, Jackson had not one, but three Corvette Coupes, in consecutive production years; 1965, 1966, and 1967.
This terrific trifecta, in the quintessential American color scheme: red, white, and blue, demonstrates the significance of Chevrolet in the automotive world during the '60s. The legendary performance of Chevrolet is further demonstrated by these cars, the infamous big-block V8s producing anywhere from 375HP (1965 model) to 425HP (1966 model) to the rear wheels.
Each of these individual Corvettes are incredible in their own right but owning three of them at the one time is truly nothing short of legendary.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6
Another iconic Chevy in the Jackson collection, the LS6 is a rare version of an already badass car.
The brutal 7.4L Turbo Jet V8 creates 450HP from factory, the strongest engine that Chevrolet made at the time, establishing the Chevelle LS6 as the most powerful car of the time, housing an additional 20HP over the 1969 Camaro ZL1. The classic Muncie M22 transmission, F41 Special Suspension, and cowl-induction hood all furnishing this car, all carefully designed not only to deal with the massive power potential of the engine but ensuring that every last little bit of horsepower is harnessed and utilized effectively.
As one of the most powerful of the muscle car legends in Jackson's collection, it sold for a relatively affordable price of $97K, and well worth every dollar of the adoring glances and secret fantasization by wannabe owners.
1965 Pontiac GTO
Transitioning away from Chevys, the Pontiac GTO boasts its legendary status as one of the first muscle cars ever built. The GTO not only helped pioneer the category of muscle cars in general but became one of the key names in the game.
Jackson's collection features an immaculate Burgundy 1965 GTO, professionally restored to ensure both aesthetic and performance perfection. The GTO set the bar for the muscle car category; a massive V8 housed in a lightweight chassis, pushing power to the rear wheels. In particular, the '65 GTO was powered by a 6.4L V8 Tri-Power (three two-barrel carburetors instead of the usual single four-barrel carburetor) engine creating a wholesome 360HP. The menacing power of Jackson's GTO is contrasted against its immaculate black interior, labeled by Mecum Auctions as "virtually untouched," creating an enjoyable ride, both internally and externally.
"virtually untouched"
Thanks to the 75,000 GTOs sold in 1965, this car is legendary due to its innovation not its rarity, making it one of the more affordable cars in Jackson's collection, selling for $81,400.
1977 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible
Finally, Jackson's taste spans more than just muscle cars, best represented in his 1977 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible, more than just a stereotypical luxury car.
More than just the pinnacle of luxury, this Rolls-Royce is not only one of Jackson's favorite cars but carries a sentimental story that adds to its worth. Jackson purchased this car to commemorate his three home-run performance in the win over the New York Dodgers in the 6th Game of the 1977 World Championship. The Yankees color scheme matching, handbuilt Corniche cost Jackson $64,250 (~$285,000 in today's prices accounting for inflation since 1977) and was immediately driven cross-country by Jackson, atypical for a luxury car of this pedigree. Powered by a 6.7L V8, the power potential of this car was offset by its 3-tonne weight, Jackson again demonstrating his love for V8s.
Surprisingly, the value of the vintage Rolls-Royce has only deteriorated with time, one specific '77 Corniche for sale at Hemmings for $62K. While the monetary value might not be as significant as Jackson's other cars, its sentimental value rates this car as legendary.
Sources: Hot Cars, Mecum, RobReport.com, MLB.com