Auction sites are supposed to be sacred sites where car lovers come to make their dreams come true. But sadly, police are investigating the thefts of three classic Chevrolets from two auctions during the recent weekend of festivities at Monterey.
According to Hemmings, the a red 1961 Impala SS 409 convertible pictured above was taken from a secured area at the Russo and Steele auction sometime on the night of Friday, Aug. 16 after it failed to meet its undisclosed reserve price. It had Idaho plates with the tag "SS409."
The other stolen cars were a white 1961 Chevrolet Impala restomod belonging to World of Wheels in Des Moines, Iowa, which was reported stolen during the night of Aug. 17, and a pale yellow one-owner 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, which was stolen the morning of Aug. 18. That car was said to be in unrestored condition after 42 years in storage.
As with the red Impala, these other two Chevys failed to meet their reserve prices after the auction. Likely, Hemmings said, they were stolen for the value of their parts.
If anyone has any clues or information, they are asked contact the Monterey office of the California Highway Patrol at 831-796-2100. Let's hope these three American beauties come home soon.
Photos credit Russo and Steele/Mecum
Three Classic Chevrolets Reportedly Stolen At Monterey Car Week