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In a feat that could make any car enthusiast’s heart rev, Bob Ashton, co-owner of the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, has managed to corral 27 Hemi-powered E-body convertibles under one roof. It’s like herding cats, but with more horsepower and fewer litter boxes. This Michigan native has spent nearly a year rallying Mopar collectors for what can only be described as the automotive equivalent of finding a unicorn that runs on premium fuel.
The Jaguar XKE Series I, crafted from 1961 to 1968, is a legend wrapped in a sleek, stylish body that even Enzo Ferrari dubbed “the most beautiful automobile ever.” With a 3.8-liter engine and a later upgrade to 4.2 liters, it was the sports car that could whisk you from zero to “I’m late for tea” in about 7 seconds. Known for its quirks like a hood latch that required a special tool, it’s no wonder collectors clamored to keep these beauties in mint condition.
Muscle cars generally hail from the USA, but the Ferrari 250 GTO, with its zippy speed and feather-light body, makes a compelling case for an exception. Born between 1962 and 1964, only 36 of these Italian stallions were made. Designed for GT racing, it flaunted a 3.0L V12 engine and minimalist interior—forget about a speedometer. Despite rocky beginnings, it zoomed to fame, winning races and collectors’ hearts, skyrocketing from a modest $18,000 to a jaw-dropping $13 million.