Cars from the Ron Pratte Collection
Editor’s note: This is the 18th in a 30-day series featuring cars from the Ron Pratte Collection that will be sold at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction in January.
The one-of-a-kind Blastolene B-702 Custom Roadster (Lot #2507) was designed and constructed in 2007 by the Blastolene team of Michael Leeds and Randy Grubb. Inspired by the great French cars of the 1930s, the Midnight Blue B-702 evokes the dramatic shapes of the “French Curve.” The aerodynamic coachwork of Figoni et Falaschi, creators of the Talbot-Lago Teardrop Coupe, among others, was a particular influence.
With its swooping fenders and submarine-length hood, the Blastolene exudes a powerful presence at 19.5 feet long and 94 inches wide. The hand-formed aluminum body sits on a custom frame, and the entire chassis is nickel-plated or powder coated to a show quality.
The engine is a rarity in itself. The Blastolene is powered by a 702-cubic-inch GM gasoline V12, an engine produced from 1960-65 for use in GMC medium-duty trucks. Named the “Twin-Six” by GMC, the V12 has a cast iron block topped by four separate cylinder heads and two intake manifolds. With a factory rating of 650 foot-pounds of torque at 850 rpm, the V12 has no problem moving the Blastolene down the road. The V12 is backed by an Allison 4-speed. Out back is a 9-inch Ford Currie rear end.
The Blastolene may be larger than life, but it’s in the details you’ll find the unique custom treasures, such as the cut and beveled glass grille and the hand-blown glass tail lamps. Inside, the driver sits on maroon leather-covered seats and tracks progress via a speedometer cluster from a Lincoln Zephyr.
This 2007 Blastolene B-702 Custom Roadster (Lot #2507) is scheduled to cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Saturday, Jan. 17.
The Ron Pratte Collection will begin being auctioned at the 44th Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction with automobilia from Saturday, January 10 at 9 a.m. (MST) through Tuesday, January 13 at 1 p.m. Pratte’s vehicles first cross the block at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with lot numbers 2000 through 2109 and continue with lot numbers 2500 through 2530 Saturday, January 17.
