The Catallo Coupe: An eBay story

427TJ · #1 02-09-2006, 01:42 AM

Bruce (Xplantdad) told me that I should post this story on the Y-net so here goes.

I've recently decided to sell much of my 30-year collection of plastic models. Last week I listed two 1962 Aurora "Ram Rod" '32 Ford coupe kits on eBay, item 6033538420. The model was based on the famous "Catallo Coupe," also known as the "Silver Sapphire." This is the car that was on the cover of the Beach Boys "Little Deuce Coupe" album and had also been featured on the cover of the July 1961 Hot Rod. In my eBay listing I decided to add the history of the actual car so as to educate anyone interested in the two models and I also posted a scan of the 7/61 Hot Rod cover along with the model photos. The auction ended and the high bidder contacted me. I notice that his name is Catallo and I just about fell out of my chair. Yep, Curt Catallo, son of the car's original owner, had bought the models! Curt's sister had noticed the family name on the title of my auction and checked it out and Curt wound up buying the models. Here's Curt's reply to my initial contact after the auction:

"Bill, Clarence Catallo was my dad. He died eight years ago, but not before buying his coupe back. We restored her (with GM's help) to her cover-shoot condition and took her to Pebble Beach. She left for the Peterson Museum last week, and will be on display through July. My sister spotted your listing. It goes without saying that you definitely did your homework as far as the coupe is concerned. On behalf of my family, many thanks, Curt."

Needless to say, given the history of the Catallo Coupe, I was floored when I read Curt's note. So, my two little "Ram Rod" kits that I've had all these years are finally going home.

**Xplantdad** · #2 02-09-2006, 02:13 AM

Bill,

That is so cool. How amazing that a member of the immediate family was able to get them. Talk about lucky (for them) and good karma (for you).

Thanks for sharing...awesome!

**mssl72** · #3 02-09-2006, 04:14 AM

That's awesome! What a way for things to go!

I'll have to go to the Peterson to check it out.

71-LS6 · #4 02-09-2006, 04:30 AM

Neat story, you never know who you'll bump into when you go online.

Belair62 · #5 02-09-2006, 05:56 AM

And that is one of the best albums of all time !!!

MrsBillyBobcat · #6 02-09-2006, 06:04 AM

Very cool story Bill!

Here is a pic I took of the car when it was at the Detroit Autorama in 2003

**Mr70** · #7 02-09-2006, 06:13 AM

If you've got one of yourself wearing a poodle skirt,ponytails & bobby sox,then I'm replacing Amy on my desktop!

**mockingbird812** · #8 02-09-2006, 06:55 AM

Easy big guy. You'll get yourself all worked up.

MrsBillyBobcat · #9 02-09-2006, 07:08 AM

[ QUOTE ]
If you've got one of yourself wearing a poodle skirt,ponytails & bobby sox,then I'm replacing Amy on my desktop!

[/ QUOTE ]

LMAO!!!

I do, but can't find it.

How about one in shorts, ponytail and roller skates?

--or cat ears, black spandex and boots?

g503 · #10 02-09-2006, 07:20 AM

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=92698

check the HAMB i linked this to the site and you gotta see who replied, the guy who actually hellped build and drive the car in high school

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