1967 Chevrolet Corvette coupe.

Forget Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday, and start thinking about Monte Carlos and fat fenders! Vicari Auction Company is hosting their 7th annual New Orleans Auction at Mardi Gras World on July 8, 2017. According to Vicari’s marketing department, “Up to 150 classics are expected to cross the auction block” during the event.

Providing registered bidders the opportunity to pick up some special vintage collectables like the five-time NCRS Regional Top Flight Award Winner and Performance Verification Award Winner 1967 Chevrolet Corvette. This verification means the car operates as intended by GM. The trim tag verifies the factory black exterior, black interior, red stinger hood, 427 cubic-inch engine with four-speed transmission. Complete with power windows, power steering, power brakes, factory tele column, head rest, AM/FM radio, and professionally restored 400 air conditioning. This Corvette coupe is as pure of a factory 1967 example that can be found.

A Tri-Five To Die For

Also expected to cross the block is a beautiful 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air which received three Awards at the 2016 Tri-Five Gathering in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Collecting awards for the Best Engineered, Best Paint, and Best ’55, this two-door is a great example of a restomod Tri-Five. Packed with a GM 572 crate engine topped with an eight stack Inglese injection system, GM 4L60 transmission with Gear Vendors over drive. Armed with Schott Wheels, Wilwood brakes, custom three-inch stainless steel exhaust with Borla Mufflers.

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air.

This Bel Air also features a custom-built radiator with electric fans, a custom fuel tank filler in the tail light, hand-built engine bay panels, fabricated one piece tucked station wagon rear bumper, with all of this sitting on an Art Morrison chassis. The interior sports a Classic Intruments custom gauge panel, Vintage Air, power windows, tilt wheel, full center console with shifter, custom leather bucket seats, and a custom radio with plenty of speakers to enjoy your favorite beats.

A Meticulously Restored 1958 Impala

The debut year Impala rolled off the factory line as the distinguished, and most expensive passenger model Chevrolet to become one of the most desirable cars of its time. The Impala model evetually became the best-selling automobile in the United States, and it all started with the 1958 Imp. This was GM’s 50th year producing cars, and the Impala was set as the top of the line promotion.

1958 Impala frame off restoration.

This particular car has just received a frame-off restoration with all parts E-coated (electrophoretic painting process) so the corrosion and wear resistance almost certainly guarantees a lifespan of this vehicle somewhere near the half-life of plutonium-239 (24,100 years). Maybe it might not be that long, but certainly, the coating process will help the restoration stay fresh for longer than GM ever envisioned when they originally built the car.

Under the hood is a matching numbers 348 cubic-inch engine with a triple-deuce carb setup that measured over 315 horsepower on the dyno. It is also fitted with a stainless exhaust system and the original T10 transmission that has been completely overhauled. New original-style interior features new carpet and headliner, with new glass all around. Power brakes, power windows, and power steering make this a pleasure to drive. The interior is topped off with a rebuilt original clock, rebuilt Wonderbar radio, new rear seat speaker, and Vintage Air.

All of the bright work – both stainless and chrome, has been restored or replaced. The exterior is complete with a continental kit, dual antennas, fender skirts, white wall tires and the original spinner hubcaps.

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Other notable cars include a 1960 AMC Rambler Ambassador that was formerly part of the Sterling McCall Old Car Museum, and a 1969 Ford Mach 1 that includes a Marti Report and build sheet. The list goes on with a range of very nice vehicles to entice even the novice collector looking for their “dream car”.

Vicari’s 7th annual New Orleans auction is set to begin at 9:00 am with automotive memorabilia followed by classic and muscle automobiles. Vehicle check-in will be on Friday, July 7th at 9 a.m. at Mardi Gras World. Pre-registration is highly recommended for bidders and consignors, although you may register at the site upon arrival.  On-site financing is available from Keesler Federal Credit Union. A car show will be held in the Mardi Gras Float Den from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $10.00, and children under 10 are free with a paid adult.  Area hotels and more information is available at www.vicariauction.com.