The Daily Vroom

Unique AACA Museum Cars Up for Grabs

Last week, I mentioned that Hagerty had some collection cars on offer. Well, here’s a lineup you won’t see anywhere else—some of the most unique and historically significant vehicles from the AACA Museum at Hershey are up for grabs. From electric oddities to pre-war icons, this is a real slice of automotive history. Let’s dive in.

1922 Auto Red Bug – The OG EV?

Think electric cars are a modern invention? Think again. The 1922 Auto Red Bug was ahead of its time—literally a century before Tesla. Originally a gas-powered oddball, it evolved into an early electric runabout, complete with a 2.5-horsepower Northeast electric motor. These things were sold at Abercrombie & Fitch, and even Lou Costello had one. It’s not street legal, but if you’ve got a private estate or want to park a conversation piece in your garage, this is it.

1937 Fiat 500 A Topolino – Italy’s Mickey Mouse Car

If you think of the Fiat 500, you probably picture the later, post-war versions. But the 1937 Fiat 500 A Topolino is where it all started. Tiny, efficient, and undeniably charming, this was Italy’s answer to affordable motoring. With a 569cc inline-four making a mighty 13 horsepower, it wasn’t fast—but it was practical, stylish, and a game-changer for Italian roads. This example has been on display at AACA since 2004, and now it’s ready for its next caretaker.

1907 International Highwheeler – Built for the Wild West

This one is straight out of an old Western. The 1907 International Model A Highwheeler was made for the kind of roads that barely deserved the name—think deep mud, wagon ruts, and country trails. Its 12-horsepower air-cooled twin and massive wooden wheels made it perfect for the rural American farmer. It’s not fast, it’s not comfortable, but it is a piece of rugged, no-nonsense history that you just don’t see anymore.

1916 Woods Mobilette Model 5 – The Almost-People’s Car

Before the Ford Model T ruled the roads, many tried to build an affordable, small car for the masses. The Woods Mobilette was one of those attempts. At $380, it was priced just above the Model T but offered better fuel economy (30-40 mpg!) and a unique tandem seating layout. Unfortunately, history didn’t favor it, and production ceased in 1917. This one’s a rare glimpse into the “what could have been” of early motoring.

1932 Chevrolet 1-1/2 Ton NB Dump Truck – America’s Workhorse

A good dump truck is a thing of beauty—especially one that helped build America. This 1932 Chevrolet NB Dump Truck features an early Wood Hydraulic Hoist, which revolutionized heavy lifting. Before this, dumping a load of gravel or bricks meant half an hour of cranking by hand. This truck worked hard in its day, and thanks to a solid restoration, it’s still ready to show off its industrial heritage.

1933 Chrysler Model CO Convertible – Depression-Era Elegance

Chrysler knew how to make luxury accessible, and the Model CO Convertible was proof. Featuring stunning coachwork by Briggs, dual side-mounted spares, a 224-cubic-inch inline-six, and classic Art Deco styling, this car exudes 1930s glamour. The best part, unlike some pre-war classics, these still fly under the radar compared to Duesenbergs and Packards—making them a compelling buy for those who appreciate understated elegance.

Final Thoughts

This is what makes collecting fun—quirky, rare, and significant vehicles that you won’t find in your average auction. Whether you want a slice of electric car history, a rugged workhorse, or a coachbuilt beauty, this collection offers something truly special. Let’s just hope these don’t get locked away forever—cars like these deserve to be driven, even if it’s just for a lap around the estate to scare the neighbors. Kudos to Hagerty for putting together this collection for sale.

A Time Capsule Benz That’s Still Flying Under the Radar

If you want a convertible that delivers serious value, this 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Cabriolet is worth a look. The market hasn’t caught on yet, but it will.

Just 3,600 miles—basically new. Originally sold in Manhattan, it lived in a vacation home, barely driven. Second owner, same story, climate-controlled storage, weekend use. This thing still smells like a new Benz.

The CLK350 nails that balance between old-school Mercedes build quality and modern comfort. A 3.5L V6 with 268 hp, a smooth 7-speed auto, and a timeless design that ages well. The power soft top is flawless, the Stone leather interior is pristine, and it’s packed with early-2000s luxury—heated seats, navigation, dual-zone climate control. Spotless Carfax, no accidents, no damage.

Current bid, $16,500 with the auction ending today. And it’s a No Reserve. Plus, it’s being sold by one of the best in the game, so you know it’s the real deal.

These CLK convertibles are still under-appreciated, but that won’t last. If you want a near-new drop-top Benz before prices climb, this might be your best shot.

Don’t be the one saying ‘I should have bid.’ This one’s a potential bargain and for whatever reason, at the time of I’m writing this (Sunday night) has seen very little traffic.

The Porsche 962C That Set BaT on Fire

Some cars change hands. Others make headlines. This 1986 Porsche 962C did both. Selling for $1,249,620, this wasn’t just a transaction—it was a statement.

Chassis 962-127 has seen it all. Born into the fire of Group C racing, it spent its early life hunting podiums in Japan with Trust Racing. It then landed in the hands of none other than Bernie Ecclestone, who tucked it away like a secret weapon for 16 years. Later, it was revived by Bruce Canepa, raced again in vintage events, and most recently, had its twin-turbo 3.2L flat-six overhauled in 2023. Now, it’s back in the hands of a new owner. But the real question is—what happens next?

I hope this car doesn’t disappear into a private collection, only to be trotted out at concours events like some fragile relic. No, this thing belongs on a track. It was built to dominate, not to sit still. If you own a 962C and don’t scare yourself silly in it at least once, you’re doing it wrong.

Group C cars are unlike anything else. Insane downforce, brutal acceleration, and the kind of turbo lag that makes every corner an adrenaline-pumping gamble. This one? It’s fresh, sorted, and begging to stretch its legs. If the new owner has any sense, they’ll take it to Laguna Seca or Spa and let it do what it was born to do—obliterate straights and make grown men rethink their life choices.

Porsche 962s aren’t getting any cheaper. They’re already icons, and their values are only climbing. But some cars are meant to be experienced, not just owned. Let’s hope this one doesn’t just collect dust. Your move, new owner.