To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVEEstimate:
$25,000 - $35,000
- Traditional 'lead sled' built by Red Spence of Salinas,
California
- Cadillac 429 V-8 and automatic transmission
- Numerous 1940s and 1950s trim pieces, using all the best
components of the era
- Impressive custom upholstery in good overall condition
- Reportedly once part of the collection of film producer H.B.
Halicki
- Featured in Andy Southard, Jr.'s Hot Rods & Customs of the
1970s
This beautiful traditional "lead sled" was built by former owner
Red Spence of Salinas, California, with bodywork by Hot Rod Hall of
Fame inductee Rod Powell, also of Salinas, and enamel paint by
D.J.'s Auto Body of Canoga Park. It is powered by a 1965 Cadillac
429-cubic inch V-8 and automatic transmission, as well as a
Positraction rear axle. The body incorporates a 1953 DeSoto grille,
1951 Kaiser bumper guards that protect the stock Mercury bumpers,
1953 Ford headlights, Volkswagen Beetle reverse lights employed as
the front turn signals, Chevrolet Vega mirrors, genuine 1950s
Appleton spotlights, a 1940 Chrysler rear window, and frenched 1956
Buick taillights. Wheels are genuine Kelsey-Hayes units from a 1953
Buick Skylark, with the rears hidden behind fender skirts from a
1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser.
With the body chopped and smoothed, it has a long, low, sleek
appearance, with clean lines created by the removal of virtually
all exterior trim hardware; the trunk lid is opened and closed by a
solenoid. Creating the ground-hugging look, a C-frame was used in
the rear with 3 1/2-inch blocks and flattened springs. Mr.
Mitosinka states that it had been previously owned by H.B. "Toby"
Halicki of Gone in 60 Seconds fame.
Mr. Mitosinka acquired the car on October 20, 1998; it has been
preserved with its original finishes, now showing considerable
patina, with the paint exhibiting extensive cracking. The lush
purple Naugahyde used throughout the interior has held up extremely
well; seats remain deep and comfortable to ride upon, facing an
elaborately pinstriped dashboard with a modern radio tucked into
the glove box. Included in the file, in addition to numerous
maintenance receipts, is a copy of Andy Southard, Jr.'s Hot Rods &
Customs of the 1970s, in which this car is pictured near its
completion.
A true California cruiser, this car awaits freshening and a new
life on the show and cruise circuit.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mt20.
