Charlie Thomas made his fame and fortune as the owner and operator of more than 40 car dealerships in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, but his interest in autos extends far beyond the ordinary: The onetime Houston Rockets owner has been amassing collectible and antique cars over more than 20 years for display on his Texas ranch.
His specimens run the gamut of American auto history, but now he's thinning it out. RM Auctions is offering more than 150 of Thomas' cars without reserve on Saturday in Grapevine.
This 1958 Lincoln Continental Mark III Convertible is estimated to go for somewhere between $80,000 and $120,000.
From American Classics to early flatheads, all of the cars in Thomas' collection are said to be in meticulous shape and driveable condition.
"I want original cars and I want 'em to be right," Thomas said in a video — the sign of a true auto enthusiast.
A 1954 Ford Crestline Skyliner "Glass Roof" Two-Door Hardtop is one of at least 80 Fords models up for auction. This one is estimated to sell for $40,000-$50,000.
1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible, estimate $60,000-$80,000
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback, estimate $75,000-$100,000
1968 Shelby GT500 Convertible, estimate $140,000-$180,000
1957 Chevrolet Corvette "Fuel-Injected" Convertible, estimate $125,000-$150,000
1946 Chrysler Town & Country, estimate $125,000-$175,000
This 1935 Ford DeLuxe Three-Window Coupe in Washington Blue is a highlight of the auction, estimated at $45,000-$65,000.
The auction will take place this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, not far from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Admission to the preview costs $80 and bidder registration costs $150. Find more information here.
