Show Your Auto Auction Blog

Mr. Norm’s Super Truck- Online Auction to kick-off first new Mr. Norm’s model in 35 years.

Grayslake, IL February, 2008…For Immediate Release:

To officially kick-off the sale of the first brand new Mr. Norm’s performance model in more than 35 years, we will be auctioning off production Mr. Norm’s Super Truck Serial #1 AND the Mr. Norm’s Super Truck Concept on eBay Motors on, Wednesday February 20th. The 10 day online auction conducted by ShowYourAuto.com will end on Wednesday the 27th.

The 2008 Mr. Norm’s HEMI Ram 1500 Super Truck is built on the formula that made Mr. Norm famous; fueling passion while respecting the person. That is demonstrated once more in this collectible truck you can really drive. When Mr. Norm ordered performance oriented Mopars new at Grand Spaulding Dodge, he configured each batch to be the best model possible for performance upgrade, carefully choosing the options he knew his customers wanted, allowing them to personalize each vehicle once they took delivery. This time tested approach shows why Mr. Norm is still the King of High Performance. The result is a 2008 Super Truck that gives you real performance, real personalization, and real collectible value delivered at a tremendous value and convenience.

The Mr. Norm’s Concept Super Truck has certainly generated tremendous buzz, premiering at SEMA as the lead vehicle in the Sony Exhibit, being featured in the Dodge Exhibit at numerous auto shows, and earning a ton a magazine coverage. A steady stream of Mopar Enthusiasts began calling in asking if there were any Super Trucks left, eager to put down pre-build deposits. Now that the build have been authorized to begin, we don’t expect that the remainder of the 100 unit build to last very long. It takes approximately 12 weeks to build and deliver a Mr. Norm’s Super Truck (NST). With the ’08 production run ending in late April, the most owners should have their truck just in time for the summer driving season.

The first step is to contact a build advisor at Show Your Auto LLC to choose your colors and options. Most buyers will likely opt for a 4X2 standard cab set-up, but you can get your Super Truck in a Quad Cab and 4X4 if you choose. You can also add any available factory option available on the 2008 Ram 1500 SLT. NST Package Includes, all the factory SLT and Sport package equipment, factory 20" x 9.0" Aluminum Chrome Clad Wheels, Classic 1970 Super Bee style Graphics w/ Mr. Norm's Logo, Viper Ram Hood with integrated Scoop, Billet Fuel Door w/Mr. Norm's Logo, Simulated Chrome Hood Pins & Lanyards, Mr. Norm's Windshield Banner, Custom Tri-Tone Leather Bucket Seat Interior w/ Mr. Norms Logo embroidered on Headrests, Mr. Norm's Serial Number Plate with Signature, and THE RIGHT TO RESERVE A 2009 MR. NORM'S SRT-8 SUPER CHALLENGER. This top-quality high content package is reasonably priced at $6,750. The only other factory installed NST option is the “Viper Ram” front fascia, which includes the complete under tray and operational brake ducts.

Originally, the Super Truck was to be offered in stock color choices with custom stripes, Electric Blue with Black Stripes, Electric Blue with White Stripes, and Silver with Black Stripes. People were screaming for the concept truck color, Screaming Hemi Orange, Mr. Norm stepped up and added a Show Paint option. This would add some time to the build, and at $17,000 the option is not for the budget minded. What you do get is a show quality Sherwin-Williams Planet Color custom paint job performed by the same professionals that painted the show truck. Even the stripes and the “Super Truck” logo would be painted on and “buried” underneath the clear coat. For those who really want to stand apart, even in amongst an elite class of 100, the Show Paint option is a logical choice.

Once your NST is configured, a $1,500 deposit secures your Mr. Norm’s Super Truck serial number. They are given in a strict first-come, first served, basis. By cooperating with a single dealer for the entire production run, we have eliminated the possibility of the gross dealer markup we’ve seen pervade the market with other limited production vehicles. Just like Mr. Norm did at Grand Spaulding Dodge, we want to give all Mopar enthusiasts equal opportunity. This also gives you the flexibility to finance the NST and dispose of a trade-in in the same way you would any other new vehicle. Every single 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 equipped with the standard Mr. Norm's Super Truck Package is covered under the Chrysler Limited Lifetime Powertrain Warranty.

Once the build is complete, your Super Truck courtesy shipped to your local Dodge Dealer at no additional cost to you. They will prep the vehicle and present your new Mr. Norm’s Super Truck to you.

Owning a Mr. Norm’s Super Truck is like holding the golden ticket. Your serial number gets you exclusive Mr. Norm’s Performance Proven ™ upgrades and custom appearance accessories. Just like Mr. Norm did at his dealership in the 60’s, these performance enhancements can be made directly at the dealership or other authorized installer. Mr. Norm’s Performance Proven ™ options include a 50 State Legal Kenne Bell Supercharger that will boost the stock 5.7L Hemi rating to a street friendly500hp. Handling and braking can also be enhanced courtesy of Mr. Norm’s Super Handling Package by Hotchkis and 14” Cross Drilled, Slotted and Ventilated 4 wheel disc brakes by SSBC.

As you can tell, only top shelf suppliers were selected for the Mr. Norm’s brand. If they aren’t top quality and don’t actually add to the performance of the vehicle, they don’t get the Performance Proven™ Flying Ram. Mr. Norm’s objective was to offer an SRT-10 level of performance that was lighter, easier to live with day-to-day and provided better gas mileage than the venerable Viper powered SRT-10. It is safe to say, in this case, “mission accomplished” actually means something.

Whether you choose to upgrade right away or wish to drive it a while, any Mr. Norm’s Performance Proven ™ add-on made by the first owner will be recorded in the Mr. Norm’s registry as original. This give you the flexibility to customize your truck as your needs change.

You can be one of only 100 to own a Limited Edition Mr. Norm’s Super Truck including for as low as $32,275. Even fully loaded with available Performance Proven ™ upgrades, a 4x2 standard cab comes to about $42,000 before tax, title, & license with estimating cash incentives.

If you are even thinking about buying a Mr. Norm’s Super Truck, remember, once all 100 are spoken for, there will be no more. Contact “Mr. Krook” of Show Your Auto LLC and become one of only 100 to build the Mr. Norm’s Dodge Ram Super Truck Today! Call 847-838-3749 or Email MrNorms@ShowYourAuto.com

Mr. Norm’s Super Truck- Online Auction to kick-off first new Mr. Norm’s model in 35 years.

Grayslake, IL February, 2008…For Immediate Release:

The 2008 Mr. Norm’s HEMI Ram 1500 Super Truck is built on the formula that made Mr. Norm famous; fueling passion while respecting the person. That is demonstrated once more in this collectible truck you can really drive. When Mr. Norm ordered performance oriented Mopars new at Grand Spaulding Dodge, he configured each batch to be the best model possible for performance upgrade, carefully choosing the options he knew his customers wanted, allowing them to personalize each vehicle once they took delivery. This time tested approach shows why Mr. Norm is still the King of High Performance. The result is a 2008 Super Truck that gives you real performance, real personalization, and real collectible value delivered at a tremendous value and convenience.

The Mr. Norm’s Concept Super Truck has certainly generated tremendous buzz, premiering at SEMA as the lead vehicle in the Sony Exhibit, being featured in the Dodge Exhibit at numerous auto shows, and earning a ton a magazine coverage. A steady stream of Mopar Enthusiasts began calling in asking if there were any Super Trucks left, eager to put down pre-build deposits. Now that the build have been authorized to begin, we don’t expect that the remainder of the 100 unit build to last very long. It takes approximately 12 weeks to build and deliver a Mr. Norm’s Super Truck (NST). With the ’08 production run ending in late April, the most owners should have their truck just in time for the summer driving season.

The first step is to contact a build advisor at Show Your Auto LLC to choose your colors and options. Most buyers will likely opt for a 4X2 standard cab set-up, but you can get your Super Truck in a Quad Cab and 4X4 if you choose. You can also add any available factory option available on the 2008 Ram 1500 SLT. NST Package Includes, all the factory SLT and Sport package equipment, factory 20" x 9.0" Aluminum Chrome Clad Wheels, Classic 1970 Super Bee style Graphics w/ Mr. Norm's Logo, Viper Ram Hood with integrated Scoop, Billet Fuel Door w/Mr. Norm's Logo, Simulated Chrome Hood Pins & Lanyards, Mr. Norm's Windshield Banner, Custom Tri-Tone Leather Bucket Seat Interior w/ Mr. Norms Logo embroidered on Headrests, Mr. Norm's Serial Number Plate with Signature, and THE RIGHT TO RESERVE A 2009 MR. NORM'S SRT-8 SUPER CHALLENGER. The only other factory installed NST option is the “Viper Ram” front fascia, which includes the complete under tray and operational brake ducts.

Originally, the Super Truck was to be offered in stock color choices with custom stripes, Electric Blue with Black Stripes, Electric Blue with White Stripes, and Silver with Black Stripes. People were screaming for the concept truck color, Screaming Hemi Orange, Mr. Norm stepped up and added a Show Paint option. This would add some time to the build, and at $17,000 the option is not for the budget minded. What you do get is a show quality Sherwin-Williams Planet Color custom paint job performed by the same professionals that painted the show truck. Even the stripes and the “Super Truck” logo would be painted on and “buried” underneath the clear coat. For those who really want to stand apart, even in amongst an elite class of 100, the Show Paint option is a logical choice.

Once your NST is configured, a $1,500 deposit secures your Mr. Norm’s Super Truck serial number. They are given in a strict first-come, first served, basis. By cooperating with a single dealer for the entire production run, we have eliminated the possibility of the gross dealer markup we’ve seen pervade the market with other limited production vehicles. Just like Mr. Norm did at Grand Spaulding Dodge, we want to give all Mopar enthusiasts equal opportunity. This also gives you the flexibility to finance the NST and dispose of a trade-in in the same way you would any other new vehicle. Every single 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 equipped with the standard Mr. Norm's Super Truck Package is covered under the Chrysler Limited Lifetime Powertrain Warranty.

Once the build is complete, your Super Truck courtesy shipped to your local Dodge Dealer at no additional cost to you. They will prep the vehicle and present your new Mr. Norm’s Super Truck to you.

Owning a Mr. Norm’s Super Truck is like holding the golden ticket. Your serial number gets you exclusive Mr. Norm’s Performance Proven ™ upgrades and custom appearance accessories. Just like Mr. Norm did at his dealership in the 60’s, these performance enhancements can be made directly at the dealership or other authorized installer. Handling and braking can also be enhanced courtesy of Mr. Norm’s Super Handling Package by Hotchkis and 14” Cross Drilled, Slotted and Ventilated 4 wheel disc brakes by SSBC.

As you can tell, only top shelf suppliers were selected for the Mr. Norm’s brand. If they aren’t top quality and don’t actually add to the performance of the vehicle, they don’t get the Performance Proven™ Flying Ram. Mr. Norm’s objective was to offer an SRT-10 level of performance that was lighter, easier to live with day-to-day and provided better gas mileage than the venerable Viper powered SRT-10. It is safe to say, in this case, “mission accomplished” actually means something.

Whether you choose to upgrade right away or wish to drive it a while, any Mr. Norm’s Performance Proven ™ add-on made by the first owner will be recorded in the Mr. Norm’s registry as original. This give you the flexibility to customize your truck as your needs change.

You can be one of only 100 to own a Limited Edition Mr. Norm’s Super Truck including for as low as $32,275. Even fully loaded with available Performance Proven ™ upgrades, a 4x2 standard cab comes to about $42,000 before tax, title, & license with estimating cash incentives.

If you are even thinking about buying a Mr. Norm’s Super Truck, remember, once all 100 are spoken for, there will be no more. Contact “Mr. Krook” of Show Your Auto LLC and become one of only 100 to build the Mr. Norm’s Dodge Ram Super Truck Today! Visit www.mrnormsperformance.com Call 847-838-3749 or Email MrNorms@ShowYourAuto.com

It is already happening. People calling, looking for SIX PACK and Hemi Cuda with the laundry list of "must haves". Must be numbers matching, must be a for speed, must have original rear quarters, must have the original build sheet, must have a horn of pure silver growing out of the front bumper...oh, yeah and I only want to pay $90k because that is what they sold for at Barrett-Jackson.

First of all, if you took the time to walk the entire lot at BJ, you would know that the car with all the "must haves" wasn't there either.

The only thing I could see is that the numbers of consignments were down, the number of bidders seemed to be down, and the number of muscle cars (quality or otherwise) also seemed to be down. I DID see some cars draw generous, yet nonsensical prices. The consensus from most those I spoke with was that the average BJ buyer is there for a good time, buying for entertainment or recreation and is NOT really there to make a shrewd, informed, collector purchase.

While it is a spectacle and prices can be sensational and they are widely publicized, the typical buyer at BJ is NOT the same type of people who buy privately throughout the rest of the year...

One example that comes to mind in the recent auctions that bear his central point out is the story of two, low-mile, low option, 1970 Hemi Cuda's, both in black- one sold at Russo and Steele for $255k hammer price

and the other for $245k at Barrett.

The two cars could not be more different. The car at Russo seemed to wear most, if not all of her original sheet metal, was very original, very correct, was number's matching, had her broadcast sheet AND seemed to be a crisp, quality restoration. $255k plus 10% buyers fee puts the price where a HEMI Cuda should be at $280,500.

The one at BJ also purported to be numbers matching, but had obvious quarter panel reskin, floor and/or trunk pan replacement, a 1971 hood, needed other concours correction and was an older, driver quality restoration, had a broadcast sheet AND had a celebrity owner history. This was a #3 car in my humble opinion.

The connoisseur collector would and has routinely passed on a car like this one. I think the ONLY reason the prices on these two cars were even close was the fact that the #3 quality car was at Barrett. To base a collector car purchase on a BJ result like this one is not unlike asking a Black Jack dealer how to balance your stock portfolio.

Dissatisfaction over how Barrett conducted last year's auction had more to do with the reduced number and quality of consignments. The investment buyer, usually willing to battle entertainment bidder also stayed away in droves because the quality wasn't there.

Published total sales for this year put Barrett-Jackson's sales totals at $84,475,985 down from a 2007 posting of $107,919,059 for a 21.72% drop in overall sales. Does that mean market recession? Not at all. It can be said that fewer people were in the mood for the "What happens at Barrett, stays at Barrett" casino like atmosphere.

It likely means more buyers have become serious about making more investment minded choices, educating themselves, and buying in venues that attract a higher quality of consignment. Auction buyers this January went to other auctions, where they felt they could enjoy a fair bidding environment.

Gooding roared into a "down" market and made their Arizona auction debut this year soaking up $21 million in sales and a healthy 90% sell rate. This confirms the fact that if you offer quality consignments with a quality process, the money will show up.

All the action houses taken together posted revenue of $162,981,757 on a volume of 2,037 cars. Down by 3.9 million representing mere a 2.3% drop over 2007, a record year that had more multi-million dollar consignments.

So, who REALLY thinks that Barrett-Jackson has a valid place as an indicator in the collector car market? A 21% drop in sales at Barrett when compared to an overall 2.3% blip certainly says no. Regardless, their results are seldom confirmed by the private sale market because the quality or car and type of buyer do not correlate with collector car market at large. As for Barrett being a market indicator, this isn't a case of “has been", this is a case of never was.

SAAC registrars has long been safeguarding investment collectors and everyday enthusiasts from the proliferation of fake Shelby's by controlling the Shelby/Ford VIN cross reference information. Kevin Marti has also been a tremendous asset to the Ford community in providing his data and documentation service. This is a sample Marti report for a Ford Mustang that was converted into a 1967 Shelby Mustang, as you can see both the Ford and Shelby VIN's are clearly written in several places on the document. When you choose to put your Shelby on the market, it is tempting to put all of the supporting documentation on display as well. That would be a mistake.

A counterfeiter can use this sheet to take any 1967 Mustang fastback and recreate a convincing fake snake that could possibly pass the one litmus test many Shelby fans rely on to make sure they are buying the real deal.

The interesting thing is how I got my hands on this particular Marti. I for a surfing the internet on behalf of a client who was looking for a 1967 GT500. I saw, among the photos provided, this Marti Report along with a nice, high resolution picture of the Shelby fender tag. SAAC has done a good job of controlling this information to protect the integrity of genuine Shelby cars and ferret out fakes.

This isn't the first time a the FORD VIN/Shelby VIN cross reference has been compromised. I've even seen them posted on eBay! That is like buying a Superbowl As to broadcast your SSN, Date of Birth, and Mother's Maiden Name. It is everything a real crook needs to steal your car's identity and create a counterfeit.

Click here to see Sample Marti Report.

As you can tell, I blocked out the Shelby VIN everywhere it is listed on the Marti, next to the text shaded in light blue. I also highlighted the Ford VIN everywhere it appears on the report in Yellow while obscuring the the last 3 or 4 of the consecutive production number. This makes the document useless both scammers and anyone who wants to verify that this Shelby is genuine. If you wish to show a potential buyer the Marti Report for any Shelby car, we reccommend that you obscure or white out all references to the sequential build number on the copy you wish to hand over, all the places highlighted in yellow. Leave the Shelby VIN intact so they know that the Marti does indeed belong to that car.

I am curious if you can order a Marti report knowing only the Shelby VIN. That could be another chink in the armor of data integrity for Shelby's. Does anyone know the answer to that?

In any case, remember that your paperwork is as valuable as the car itself, guard it jealously, showing it only to qualified buyers you can trust and NEVER post it on an a internet advertisement.

Keep the hobby fun!

~Patrick Krook, CEO Show Your Auto llc

Our quest to give the Private Collector access to the retail market while protecting their privacy and that of their car is one of the big reasons we've chosen a restricted bid format to auctioning cars online.

The volume and sensitivity of photos and information and photos that has poliferated the internet in recent years is alarming. There is not only a danger that a given car right down to the stamping marks can easily be counterfeited these days greater than ever before, it has also contributed to new growth of an old sport, nit picking cars to death. The players of this sport are called by their detractors "trolls". You know, the kind that hide under bridges, then pop out to scare small defenseless children...

I have no problem with constructive discussion as to the correctness of how a given car presents. It is an excercise that is part and parcel with the hobby and it is also an opportunity to keep your identification skills sharp.

The problems start when a car, identified by its VIN or mentioned along with the name of its owner starts to get "slammed" in online discussions. Right, wrong, accurate, or not, this begins to rumor mill that can stain the pedigree of a given car, branding it with a scarlet letter that amounts to the legal definition of liable. The value of certain cars have been severly impacted because of such activity, some of which do not warrant it.

This is why in our auctions and online sales we do not publically share VIN, serial, and casting code information. That is why insepction information is available only to qualified registered bidders. The detailed condtion and underbody photos are also kept in a private gallery, accessed only by registered bidders.

We owe our fellow hobbyists the respect of their privacy and protection their vehicle's pedigree. Doing any different to me feels like upskirting someone else's girl friend. It is just wrong to make sport of such an invasion. I don't imagine anyone who has always aspired to own a classic muscle car would want strangers walking into their garage and checking under her hood for no good reason. Slamming a car in a public forum is an equal invasion.

~Patrick Krook, Owner Show Your Auto.com