1954 Buick Skylark convertible

(April 13, 2024) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Barrett-Jackson will offer 11 diverse vehicles with No Reserve from John Staluppi’s Cars of Dreams Collection during this year’s Palm Beach Auction, to be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds April 18-20. Among the highlights of the collection is an extensively customized Torch Red 1973 Corvette convertible and a restored 1954 Buick Skylark convertible that is one of 836 examples produced for that model year.

“John’s Cars of Dreams Museum is a Coney-Island-themed world full of automotive treasures,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’re honored that he is selling 11 diverse vehicles from the museum’s collection with No Reserve.

"Among some of the standouts is an absolutely gorgeous 1973 custom Corvette convertible. Every inch of the American sportscar was modified with the build completed last year. Our Palm Beach Auction will be an incredible opportunity for potential bidders to acquire vehicles that are seldom seen by the public.”


1973 Chevrolet Corvette convertible

Also crossing the block as part of the collection is a 1937 Cord Westchester Fastback powered by its original matching-numbers 289ci 8-cylinder engine, No. FB 2154. This original example has serial number 1743A and body number C90 1478. Another highlight is a 1958 Buick Special convertible produced as part of a one-year-only design, with only 58 built for the 1958 model year. It is powered by a 364ci engine that was factory-rated at 250 hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque, backed by a Dynaflow 2-speed automatic transmission.

“Many cars in John Staluppi’s Cars of Dreams Collection are in better condition than when they rolled out of the production plant,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “One of those examples is a 1954 Buick Skylark convertible that earned Best in Class awards at both the 2018 and 2022 Misselwood Concours d'Elegance for its quality restoration. John has been an incredible steward of these vehicles, and the diversity of the 11 vehicles offered at Palm Beach is a true reflection of our docket.”

1937 Cord Westchester Fastback

A late-model vehicle being offered from the Cars of Dreams Collection is a 2003 Chevrolet SSR pace car.  It is the only SSR ever to pace, participating in events such as four NASCAR Nextel Cup races, three Indy Car races (including Motegi, Japan), American Le Mans series races, the 2004 Woodward Dream Cruise and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.

Also on offer in the collection is a truly unique collectible vehicle: a matching-numbers 1964 Amphicar 770 finished in its original Lagoon Blue color with white and yellow two-tone trim.