One of the major highlights of the Monterey Car Week is the auction of exotic vehicles that fetch hefty sums. While some cars showcased at the event will bring back feelings of nostalgia, others might surprise you, having flown under the radar for so long. The 2021 Monterey Car Week saw several muscle cars go up for auction.
However, this year promises to be bigger, with some of the rarest and most expensive muscle cars lining up at Monterey for new owners. Who knows, maybe this year's auto festival might even double the total auction earnings of the 2021 Monterey Car Week, which summed up to $343 million, according to Hagerty. As the 2022 edition of the auto festival is in progress, we take a look at some of the coolest muscle cars hitting the auction floor.
8 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
This 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is one of 602 examples made, with less than 200 in existence today. It has a high-revving 302 cubic-inch 5.0-liter V8 engine and an M21 4-speed manual transmission that puts out 290 hp. The first owner of this 1967 Camaro Z/28 used it in NHRA drag racing events.
This particular Chevy muscle car going up for auction is adorned in Butternut Yellow with Black stripes and on the inside, you are welcomed by the bucket seats and black vinyl upholstery. It is estimated that the 1967 Camaro Z/28 will sell for $150,000-$165,000 at the Monterey auction.
7 1967 Pontiac GTO Convertible
1967 was a special year for Pontiac, being its first time offering the 400-cubic-inch V8, which changed the game for the GTO Convertible in that muscle car era. The engine works with a 4-speed manual transmission to pump out 360 horsepower. The GTO was quite popular back in its day, with over 13,000 units sold.
This particular GTO Convertible going up for sale is finished in Regimental Red with a restored Ivory interior.
This beautiful drop-top with Rally I wheels and Redline tires is estimated to be worth $90,000-$110,000.
6 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS
The California Special package was designed to give the Ford Mustang a Shelby feel, with its blacked-out grille, rectangular fog lights, and a louvered hood. This Brittany Blue Mustang GT/CS is powered by the J-code 302-cubic-inch small-block V8, with a C4 Select-Shift automatic transmission.
This particular GT/CS is rated at 230 hp and equipped with Selectaire air-conditioning and BF Goodrich radial tires. The Brittany Blue Poly Mustang GT/CS, which is one of 4,118 examples, is estimated to be around $60,000 – $80,000.
5 1969 Chevrolet COPO Camaro
The Central Office Production Order (COPO) Camaros bypassed normal restrictions on the solid-lifter 427 big-block powertrain back then, and today they make a great addition to any Camaro collection. Roughly 1,000 COPO Camaros were built, with many having a history in drag racing.
The 1968 Chevrolet COPO Camaro is valued at about $180,000 – $205,000. This particular example is finished in Garnet Red with Black and fitted with Goodyear Polyglas tires. It was restored to almost its original form in 2010.
4 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda
The 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda is a highly coveted muscle car that runs on the small E-Body platform. From 1966-1971, only about 652 Hemi Cuda hardtops were made, so an original Hemi ‘Cuda is a rare sight today. Almost half of the Hemi Cudas produced including this particular example were automatic.
The 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda is an unassuming street car that's powered by a 426-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 engine with an output of 425 hp. It's worth around $200,000-$225,000 today and this particular example that's up for sale has been restored to its original Alpine White in 2018.
3 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertible
The 1971 Plymouth Cuda Convertible is an ultra-rare, timeless piece of muscle car art built on the E-body platform. The Bright Red Plymouth is one of only 12 automatic Cuda Convertibles built in 1971, so rarity contributes to its value, which is pegged at $1.2 million.
The vibrant pony car still has its original V-code 440 cubic-inch 6-barrel engine that's rated 385 horsepower. The interior is furnished with a black vinyl bucket seat and a 6-way adjustable driver's seat.
2 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
The Ford Mustang Boss 351’s was known for its R-code V8 engine that was capable of outgunning several big-blocks during that era. The Boss 351’s 330-hp V8 was bolted up to a 4-speed manual transmission with a Hurst T-handle shifter. Only 1,806 Boss 351s were produced in 1971, with a value of $85,000-$95,000 today.
This particular Boss 351 going to auction was first owned by Mike Smith and still has its original Autolite 4300-D carburetor, black Clarion knit bucket seats, exhaust, and chrome Magnum 500 wheels.
1 1979 Pontiac Trans Am
Marketed as one of Pontiac’s best creations, the Trans Am received dramatic front-and-rear facelifts in 1979. The no-grille appearance was palatable with its elongated nose and horizontally-mounted quad rectangular headlights. The 6.6-liter V8 engine is joined to an automatic transmission to produce over 200 hp.
The white and red color combo creates a striking appearance for this particular 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. It still has its original Snowflake wheels, air conditioning, and power windows.