1959 Devin SS to Feature at Russo and Steele Monterey Auction

One of my favourite things to do is browse the catalogues for collector car auctions. Can’t actually afford one myself, but I do love to look. I’m sure I’m not the only one, so here’s the first of many posts to come on upcoming auctions.

1959 Devin SS courtesy of Russo and Steele

Caught sight of this beauty in a press release from Russo and Steele. Seems it’s up for grabs at their 12th Annual Monterey Californiaauction, to be held August 16 to 18. Can’t get to Monterey but want to bid? No problem. It is possible to bid by phone, but you must register in advance.

This 1959 Devin SS looks a lot like a Ferrari. That’s not a coincidence. Its designer, racer Bill Devin, was trying to produce a similar car for less money. There were only about 15 of the Devin SSs ever built. The chassis were designed and built by Malcolm MacGregor in Ireland, then sent to Devin in California for completion. That included the addition of a Chevy V8, Borg Warner transmission, chromed exhaust pipes and of course the body. They retailed for around $6,000 or half the price of a comparable Ferrari.

This particular Devin, VIN SR5-1, was apparently the last one completed. According to Russo and Steele, it has features not included in its predecessors. You can find a detailed list (and more photos) on their website, but they include a 331 Chevy block, Schnieder cam, Holley carb, racing transmission, and Dayton/Devin 72 spoke knock off wheels. It’s said to weigh 2060 pounds fully fueled and be “wicked quick.”