Created to celebrate Buick’s 100th anniversary in 2003, the Blackhawk Custom was one of 250 oddballs that General Motors decided to part with at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. Grouped in with modified GEOs and a first-run Pontiac Aztek, not much was expected for the lot of cars which were parted with more to free up space and cut down on up-keep costs than to raise much-needed funds for the struggling manufacturer. And yet, this one-off Buick fetched a cool $522,500.

Classified as a 1996 vehicle, the Blackhawk Custom is a 2+2 convertible fashioned from Buick body parts ranging from 1939 to 1986. To add some modern flare the vehicle boasts a retractable hardtop made of carbon fiber. The interior uses many customized 1996 Riviera components.

Under the hood you will find a 455 cubic inch V8 from 1970 that has been modified and features fuel injection. Output is 463hp and 510 ft-lbs of torque. Power hits the rear wheels thanks to a 4L80E 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Other modern touches include a fully independent front and rear suspension and Z-rated 295/35/18 front and 295/45/18 rear tires.

Looks like Barrett-Jackson is giving the U.S. Auto Industry yet another bailout.

[Source: Barrett-Jackson]

On January 13th at the Barrett-Jackson auction you will be able to buy a piece of General Motors history – and the company certainly hopes you do. GM has made the decision to sell off 250 rare vehicles to not only create some much-needed revenue, but also to reduce upkeep costs. Apparently each vehicle in GM’s “Heritage Collection” costs the company $2,000 a year in upkeep and storage costs.

According to a report in Business Week the vehicles marked for sale are those that the current executives aren’t big fans of, and we can’t blame them.

For starters, the list includes a 2003 Chevy Aveo Xtreme in bright green with all sorts of Fast & Furious add-ons including a big brake upgrade and 17-inch rims. Possibly worse is a 1989 Geo Metro Zonker, which features all sorts of extras above and beyond a standard Metro. GM estimates they may only get as much as $5,000 for this car. Another dud is the 2004 Saturn Ion Red Line. Arguably it’s not a terrible car with a 205hp supercharged Ecotec engine but those who really want one don’t really need to go to Barrett-Jackson.

The most notorious vehicle going up for auction is a 2001 Pontiac Aztek – the epitome of poor automotive design. Shockingly GM still plans to get at least $20,000 for this monstrosity.

Other bizarre creations include a 1986 Presedential Limo that was used in the film The American President staring Michael Douglas. Topping that is a 1998 Popemobile that was never used by the Pope. GM expects to sell each of these creations for at least $75,000.

The list also includes a 1955 Buck Centry Bolero, a 1918 Cadillac, a 1960 Chevrolet Impalla (Snoop, we’re looking at you), a 1970 Cutlas SX and a 1996 Buick Blackhawk.

One surprising item might just be the Solstic Jazz from the 2007 Transformers movie. GM expects it to fetch $50,000 but it could go for far more if the right buyers are interested.

GM’s Heritage Collection Rejects:

[Source: Business Week]