Moments in Time: The Reggie Jackson Collection

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There are many moments in time that we hold to be significant. For baseball fans, one of those came on October 18, 1977 when Reggie Jackson hit three home runs to bring victory to the New York Yankees in 1977 World Series.



For others, some of those memorable moments have yet to happen, but may not be far away. August 13 and 14 this year sees the Mecum Auction company arrive in Monterey, CA, for the Muscle Cars & More event. From that venue, a number of lucky collectors are going to drive away with a story they'll never forget.

Long before Reggie Jackson made a name in baseball, he was occupied by another fascination - cars. He bought his first car before he could drive and in the intervening forty-plus years, he has built a collection of notable and inspired vehicles. Some of those are coming up for auction in August, so we thought we'd take a look at what "Mr. October" figured was a good buy a the time.


Photos: Mecum Auctions

Likely one of the most significant cars being offered is a rare 1969 ZL1 COPO Camaro, which is number 51 out of 69 cars, originally bought by Chevy racer and engine building legend Lamar Walden. Jackson bought the car in the mid-nineties, firm in the belief that it was one of only five or six such cars that still retained the original engine.



When information surfaced that such might not be the case, Jackson followed up and was eventually led to Walden’s shop in Doraville, GA. There, he found the original engine block, which had suffered a catastrophic failure on its first test session. In a story that is almost unbelievable, Jackson had the missing part of the block reconstructed as a computer model, then machined out of the same alloy as the block.



With some advanced TIG welding, the block was rebuilt as good as new. Jackson and Walden's son, Robbie, then rebuilt the engine while Walden oversaw the process. The rebuilt engine, with its original block, now sits in its rightful home - the engine bay of this ZL1 Camaro.



When it comes to Yenko Camaros, the 1968 RS/SS versions are considered the rarest of the first generation. This Matador Red convertible joined the Jackson collection in the early 80's. Featuring the Black Z23 Special Interior, and RS package that includes bright exterior trim, blacked out rockers, vacuum-operated headlights and more, the car has undergone a total restoration to original condition.



The original driveline remains intact, with the Yenko-installed code 321 427/450 HP big block, factory M21 4-speed and Positraction rear axle. As well, the rear spoiler and twin-scoop fiberglass Yenko hood further confirm the car’s special nature, which is also supported by the original Yenko badge still riveted to the inside driver’s door jamb.



Jackson himself calls this one, "a wonderful car that I’ve enjoyed for almost thirty years. It is in top condition, everything works as it should." Someone is going to be thrilled to drive this car away from the Monterey site.



Jackson was never one to drive around in a "beater" and it shows in the form of this 1962 Corvette convertible. After completing restoration to its original condition, the car earned Bloomington Gold certification two years ago.



A classic example of the C1 generation, this sports car rolls with a 327ci, 340 hp GM small block engine, coupled to Borg-Warner's 4-speed manual transmission. The Positraction read end ensures that the new owner will never have to be embarrassed by the dreaded "one wheel peel."



The finely refinished black interior also includes power windows, an uncommon option that year. Bloomington documentation is included, along with a copy of the window sticker.



It would be nice to be able to review all fifteen of Jackson's cars that will find new homes shortly, but we can't sign off without bringing this one to your attention. With just 15,514 miles on the odometer, this Onyx Black 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible may be one of the most original examples to be found.



From it's white power top, through the spectacular paint, it's red and silver interior and even the whitewall tires, spare tire and jack are original to the car. Under the hood, you'll find a first year 283ci engine and Powerglide transmission. The car's rated 220 HP performance comes courtesy of the 'Power Pack' 4-barrel carburetor setup - a popular option for the 283 small block.



While we have spent our time looking at Jackson's GM acquisitions - and they were certainly among his favorites - there are a variety of makes coming from his collection. Ranging from early Volkswagens through a 1941 Willys, a 1962 Impala SS 409, a 1963 Plymouth Stage III Max Wedge 426 and a 1955 Chevrolet 150 Utility Sedan, Jackson promises that there is a story behind each of them.

We'd love to be in Monterey to hear them all.




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