Judge cries foul but this Judge isn't in the courtroom. He's the former owner of a 1970 Hemi Cuda that sold for $300,000 in just 2 minutes and 11 seconds at Barrett-Jackson's Collector Car Auction this past January. David Clabuesch, the former Cuda owner happens to be a probate court judge. He protested the Barrett-Jackson bidding procedure almost as fast as the gavel hammered down on the sale of his collector car. 

Unhappy may be an understatement for Clabuesch. After the car was rolled off the auction block, he placed a small chain on the car and signs stating the sale was void.

Greatest Collector Car Event as Barrett-Jackson claims or auction irregularities and fastest gavel in the West? It appears the jury will decide.

Barrett-Jackson is suing Clabuesch. They claim his actions are "outrageous and defamatory" according to court documents filed by Barrett-Jackson in U.S. District Court (Phoenix). The documents are public (review here).

In January I read "The Dark Side of Auctions" published in the SL Market Letter, a newsletter written by our friend John Olson. The article is published on his website so you can read it also. Clabuesch should have read John's article:

"The entire 1,100 car Barrett-Jackson auction is now conducted with no-reserve pricing, which ensures a high percentage of cars sold. But don't pack your suitcase just yet." << MORE >>

Yesterday we learned that a rare 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 Convertible D is being auctioned by MBSeek. Our friend John Olson runs MBSeek, which is a unique auction system that serves sellers and buyers of fine automobiles.

It is hard to argue with the caption on the MBSeek website, "The remarkable 1953 300 four-door Convertible D is guaranteed to impress…not because it will win the next "Best of Show" award but because it is so evenly excellent, mechanically as well as cosmetically."
Mid-December we shared a pic of another impressive Mercedes 300 we enjoyed viewing while in Vegas and Phoenix (two back-to-back car club events). Dr. Phil Lufty won "Best of Show" for the concours with his Mercedes 300. It is a fine automobile.

How MBSeek Works
You can submit a written bid, which are accepted for about 30 days. Authenticity of all bids are guaranteed. After the bidders are verified the highest three or four bidders are invited to participate in a telephone conference call. The bidders are identified, introduced and the action begins.

There are several benefits associated with the MBSeek auction:

• Serious shoppers can talk (in most cases) with the current owner and view key historical records;
• John R. Olson, Inc., prepares a detailed "Condition Report" of strengths and weaknesses for the vehicle;
• Personal inspections (or sending your mechanic) can be conducted prior to placing a bid; and
• Cars can be driven (weather and condition permitting) by appointment and throughly inspected at a service facility.

For more information concerning the 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 for sale, visit the MBSeek website