Credit-Card Specials in Monterey

The DB7 led directly to the current top-notch Astons, and it’s a huge amount of swagger and eyeball for $50,000

by Rob Sass

Finding an affordable classic in Monterey seems about as likely as grabbing the “early-bird special” at Alain Ducasse’s newest restaurant. This is after all Monterey, and for five days in August, even the meanest Econo Lodge becomes the $300/night “Hotel Costa Plenté.” 

Nevertheless, there were some interesting $50,000-and-under cars sold during the weekend and even a few under the $20,000 mark. These are some of the highlights:

1972 Triumph TR6

British car values have been relatively stagnant, with Big Healey prices retreating and the best E-types holding steady for several years in the $125,000–$140,000 range. The expected rapid run-up of TR6 prices in the wake of the Healey stampede never occurred, nor is it likely to any time in the near future, as the market concentrates on excellent examples of rare cars. With over 90,000 made, the TR6 is anything but rare.

This is all good news...