If you’ve been waiting for a chance to capture a piece of American motoring history, the clock is ticking. The Raleigh Classic Car Collection on Hagerty Marketplace closes this afternoon, offering a lineup that spans nearly half a century of style, craftsmanship, and preservation. From pre-war convertibles to pristine 1980s survivors, this North Carolina-based collection represents the kind of quality and originality collectors rarely see grouped in one sale.
The Pre-War and Early Postwar Icons
At the top of the vintage selection sits the 1940 Chrysler New Yorker Highlander Convertible Coupe, a luxurious pre-war standout blending streamlined design with period opulence. Nearby, the 24k-mile 1949 Ford Custom Convertible carries postwar optimism with remarkable originality, showing off brightwork and craftsmanship from the dawn of America’s cruising era.
Two Mercurys bridge that early postwar era perfectly — the 1950 Mercury Eight Convertible and 1951 Mercury Eight Convertible — both embodying the swooping lines and bold grilles that made the brand a hot rod favorite. The 1953 Mercury Monterey Convertible rounds out the early-’50s trio, showcasing Ford Motor Company’s growing focus on comfort and chrome.
The Golden Age of Style and Power
The late 1950s brought excess and elegance, and this auction delivers on both fronts. The 40k-mile, one-family-owned 1956 Studebaker President Classic is a rare survivor from one of America’s most innovative automakers, while the 1958 Ford Thunderbird Convertible marks the debut of Ford’s personal luxury coupe in open-top form.
The 1959 Imperial Crown Southampton Hardtop takes things to the extreme — fins, chrome, and presence in abundance. It’s the kind of car that defined the era’s design language and remains a favorite among mid-century collectors.
’70s and ’80s Preservation Royalty
Moving into the 1970s, the 35k-mile, one-owner 1972 Cadillac Coupe DeVille captures peak personal luxury, while the 1-of-1,171 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 442 Convertible adds muscle to the mix — one of the last of its breed before emissions and insurance pressures changed the game.
The 17k-mile 1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Convertible stands tall as one of the final full-size American convertibles, while the 8k-mile 1976 Buick Electra 225 Sedan represents a near-new example of Buick’s stately comfort.
By the 1980s, the tone shifts to preservation — 6k-mile 1985 Pontiac Parisienne Brougham and 11k-mile 1985 Buick LeSabre Limited Collector’s Edition both present as near showroom-fresh, capturing the closing chapter of the classic American sedan.
The Bottom Line
With bidding already active and the final gavel falling today, this Raleigh-based collection offers something for every kind of enthusiast — from pre-war elegance to malaise-era survivors. Each car tells its own story of preservation, provenance, and pride of ownership.
The Raleigh Classic Collection closes this afternoon on Hagerty Marketplace.
Which one would you bring home before the hammer drops?
